General FAQ's

How do I apply for financial aid?
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

What is Iowa State University's FAFSA school code?
ISU's school code is 001869.

What is Iowa State University's priority date for filing the FAFSA?
Iowa State's priority date for filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year is March 1st. If you have not filed your tax returns before this time period, it's okay to estimate to ensure you get the FAFSA filed by this date.

What is the status of my financial aid?
Current students can check the status of their financial aid on AccessPlus.

What happens if I withdraw from all of my classes?
More information regarding this is available on the Withdraw page.

I want to move off campus next year how will my financial aid change?
Your financial aid eligibility does not change if you live off campus. Students who live off campus are not billed by the university for housing. Aid that would have paid these charges will be refunded to you to pay your living expenses.

My parents no longer claim me on their tax form. Am I an independent for financial aid?
No. Whether your parents claim you on their taxes has no bearing on your financial aid. Financial aid dependency is determined by section three of the FAFSA.

How do I get money to pay my bill?

1. After January 1st, file the Free Application of Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The FAFSA is made available in November prior to each school year.
   
   Note: The priority date for the FAFSA is March 1st to be eligible for many scholarships, grants, and other types of aid; forms submitted later will be eligible for fewer aid programs.
   
   
2. The Office of Student Financial Aid will send award letters in March - via postal mail to new students, and via email to returning students. This communication will inform you of what types of aid are available to you, based on your FAFSA.
   
   
3. Depending on your award offer, you may have to fill out additional paperwork. Also, if you are eligible for private loans, you will need to apply for those separately.
   
   
4. Before the start of the academic year, you will receive an email asking you to authorize your aid. This MUST be done before aid money can be released to you.
   
   
5. To authorize the release of your aid, sign in to AccessPlus and select Financial Aid Information. Then select Authorize Application of Aid and select the appropriate options.
   
   
6. If you have no award holds, all of your paperwork is filed on time, and your aid is authorized, your aid will be applied directly to your U-Bill by the first week of classes. Any surplus is then refunded to you - either via check (mailed to your school address) or direct deposit.
   
   
   • Fall semester payments are due in August, September, and October.
     Spring semester payments are due in January, February, and March.
     
     
   • Any refunds may take up to a week to receive.
     
     
   • To check for award holds, sign in to AccessPlus and select Financial Aid Information. Then select Financial Aid Status, and select the appropriate options.
     
     
   • To set up Direct Deposit:
     Log into AccessPlus and select Direct Deposit under the Student tab.