• Financial Aid Awards/Offer Updates

    Many financial aid tasks have been delayed for all of our students. The FAFSA received a huge makeover due to the FAFSA Simplification Act, which started with the 2024-2025 FAFSA form. These changes have unraveled normal practices, timelines, and student systems in the higher education community. Our university is not alone in experiencing delays while interpreting new regulations and making adjustments due to the numerous changes beginning in the academic year 2024-2025.

    Many financial aid awards for continuing undergraduate students have been issued. Our team is working diligently to issue awards next for new and continuing graduate students.

    We are doing everything we can to ensure students do not lose any of their institutional financial aid from the previous year due to the FAFSA changes.  Please take note of the following matters:

    • If you have not already, submit the 2024-2025 FAFSA at studentaid.gov to renew your federal and university need-based aid (if you qualify).

    • Students selected for verification in 2024-2025 must submit the required documents before financial aid can be renewed. If required, these will appear on your to-do list soon.

    • Other delays may be caused by not meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress, incomplete registration, or documents required as listed on your to-do list in Cardinal Station.

    • PLUS Applications are available on the Forms page on our website.

    As soon as we can issue your financial aid awards, you will receive a notice via email and can accept them in Cardinal Students. After acceptance, you’ll see immediate impacts showing anticipated aid in Cardinal Pay.

  • 2024-2025 Forms Availability

    Due to the delays related to the launch of the 2024-2025 FAFSA, forms are not yet available for the upcoming academic year. However, the Department of Education recently informed institutions that corrections for Appeals of Extraordinary Circumstances (also known as Professional Judgement) and Verification may be available by the end of June. Our office will release appeal and verification forms for the 2024-2025 academic year as we near the ability to make corrections. Continue to check the forms page for availability.

  • Summer Financial Aid Applications

    The Summer 2024 Financial Aid Application will soon be available on our forms page. All students seeking financial aid for summer 2024 must submit the request form.

  • Renew Your Financial Aid for 2024-2025

    Continuing students can now submit the 2024-2025 FAFSA to renew financial aid for the next academic year at studentaid.gov. We recommend continuing students start completing the 2024-2025 FAFSA early to ensure timely processing and an early award notification for the next school year in mid-summer. 

    Please routinely check your To-Do list in Cardinal Students for any outstanding items.

  • Launch of the 2024–25 FAFSA® Form

    The 2024-2025 FAFSA is now available to complete at studentaid.gov. Due to the delayed soft launch, our office will begin to receive summaries of FAFSA data in early April. Need-based financial aid awards will be released later in the spring for new students starting in Fall 2024. 

    Families can view the latest status and report issues at studentaid.gov. FAFSA help is available through StudentAid.gov via email, chat, phone, and virtual assistant at https://studentaid.gov/help-center/contact. Our office is unable to troubleshoot FAFSA technical difficulties.

  • High Call Volume

    Our office is experiencing extremely high call volumes, emails, and appointment requests due to the delayed FAFSA launch. We encourage you to navigate our website to find many common answers. Rest assured, all emails and voicemails will be answered promptly. We encourage you to visit us in person if your matter is urgent. Appointments are not required. We ask for your patience during this exceptionally busy time of year. We look forward to assisting you soon.

  • Scam Alert

    The Internal Revenue Service warned of an ongoing IRS-impersonation scam that appears to primarily target educational institutions, including students and staff who have ".edu" email addresses. The IRS will never ask for personal details over email or on websites outside of IRS.gov. Visit IRS.gov to Learn More

  • Appeal of Extraordinary Circumstances

    The Catholic University of America understands that the pandemic has impacted many students and
    families. Both the US Dept. of Education and University policy allow us to take into
    consideration the many unfortunate financial circumstances students may have
    experienced. Our office is afforded the opportunity to review many situations to make
    sure your FAFSA accurately reflects your current financial situation. Learn more about Appeals.