Is it too late to file for financial aid, im planning to go in , in fall semester?

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The June 30 deadline that Mr Busch is referring to applies to the 2011-12 FAFSA, which could only be used to fund classes that started before July 1. A new award year begins on July 1, so for the fall semester you would have to do the 2012-13 FAFSA. The deadline for that one isn't until June 30 of 2013. You could apply and receive funding at any time during that award year.

However, there is a difference between the federal deadline I was talking about above and a school's deadline. A school will often set a "priority" deadline for a given semester. Typically, for the incoming freshman class who will be starting in September, they will set a deadline around March or April This gives them time to get everything processed and verified before the start of the semester. Schools often have institutional aid (grants or scholarships from their own resources) to award, and students who apply by the priority deadline will get the first crack at this pot of money. If you apply late, you will still get your federal funds, but perhaps little or no institutional aid.

The cut off date will vary from school to school. For example, if you chose to go to a career college where they start new classes every few weeks, you could do your FAFSA as late as the day before the start. At a big university where they have to process thousands of applications, the deadline is usually much earlier. You will need to contact your school to find out when their deadline is, but in general, if your school is willing to enroll you at this point, you will be able to at least receive federal funding....Show more