Office of Student Financial Assistance
Our office is currently experiencing high call and email volumes. We appreciate your patience and look forward to speaking with you. Our team is available by phone, email, video, and in person. Schedule an appointment, call us, or visit us at your convenience. Appointments are not required; walk-ins are welcome.
Phone: 202-319-5307
Toll-Free: 888-635-7788
Fax: 202-319-5573
Email: financial-aid@cua.edu
Document Submission: cua-faforms@cua.edu
Student Financial Assistance
620 Michigan Avenue NE
Father O'Connell Hall, Suite M300
Washington, DC 20064
Updates for Returning Students
Many financial aid tasks are delayed for returning 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.
Most importantly, Enrollment Services will soon issue bills for Fall 2024. You will notice that your financial aid, including scholarships, will NOT appear as anticipated. Rest assured, your financial aid awards are coming soon.
Our team is working diligently to make these adjustments and prepare to issue continuing student financial aid offers. 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).
- If you need to sign up for the 5-month payment plan by July 1, use your Spring financial aid amounts to estimate your financial aid that will be deducted from your Fall 2024 balance.
- 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.
- Parent PLUS Applications will become available later than usual; continue to monitor the Forms page on our website for availability.
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.