What to File
To apply for all forms of federal student aid, you must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Save time by completing the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Paper forms are available from high schools, colleges, universities, and many public libraries.
To complete the FAFSA, you (and your parents, if you're a dependent student) need information from your federal tax return.
Some schools require additional financial aid application forms; be sure to check with your school's financial aid office.
When to FileFile the FAFSA after January 1—preferably before March 1. Many schools have March deadlines for applying for financial aid, but check with the financial aid office to be sure.
If you're an entering undergraduate or graduate student, don't wait to receive your admission acceptance before applying for financial aid. List the schools to which you are applying for financial aid on the FAFSA. You can search for or verify school codes at www.fafsa.ed.gov/FOTWWebApp/FSLookupServlet.
What Happens Next?The financial aid office at your school will notify you of your eligibility for federal financial aid and its own school-based aid, if any.
Funds from "campus-based" aid (including Federal Pell Grants, Federal SEOG, Perkins Loans, and health professions financial aid) will be disbursed directly to your account at the school. (You may be required to complete additional paperwork, such as a Perkins Loan promissory note, before the funds are credited to your account.)
Other forms of financial aid, including Federal Stafford Loans, PLUS Loans, and private loans, generally require that you select a lender before receiving the funds. (Note: Some schools participate in the Direct Loan Program for Stafford and PLUS Loans. This means that you must use the U.S. Department of Education as your lender.)
Applying for Loans from Nellie MaeYou can receive your Federal Stafford Loan from Nellie Mae by completing a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and listing Nellie Mae's lender code, 829076, on the form.
You can download an MPN from Nellie Mae or call a loan counselor at 800-FOR-TUITION (800-367-8848) M–F, 8am–8pm ET to request one in the mail.
Parents and graduate students can conveniently apply for a Nellie Mae Federal PLUS Loan in our Loan center or call (800) 367-8848 to pre-qualify by phone or request an application in the mail.
If you wish to borrow a Nellie Mae private loan, simply pre-qualify online or call (800) 367-8848.
Successfully paying for college or graduate school involves careful budgeting during school and managing loan payments after completing your program. Nellie Mae has several calculators and other information that can help.
If you have any questions about applying for loans from Nellie Mae, please call a loan counselor at (800) 367-8848, M–F, 8am–8pm ET.
