Application Deadlines

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Need Access Application must be filed by March 1 for priority consideration of available funds. FAFSA applications received after the deadline will be processed in the order received. Need Access grant applications filed after the deadline will only be considered if funds remain following review of on-time requests.

While no action can be taken on your request for aid until you have been admitted, do not wait until your admission decision is received to submit your application(s).

Filing Deadlines

Date	Deadline Type	Document	Who
March 1st	Priority	Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) www.fafsa.ed.gov or StudentLoans.gov School Code: 001434	All (including incoming students not yet accepted)
March 1st	Absolute	Need Access Application www.NeedAccess.org	All Seeking WCL Grants (including incoming students not yet accepted)
May 1st	Absolute	WCL Grant Supplemental Information Form Financial Aid Forms Page	Returning Students seeking WCL Grants
May 1st	Priority	Summer Aid Application Financial Aid Forms Page	Summer Students
May 1st	Priority	Apply for GradPlus Loans StudentLoans.gov Apply for Private Loans Lender website	Summer Students
June 1st	Priority	Apply for GradPlus Loans StudentLoans.gov Apply for Private Loans Lender website	Accepted Incoming Students
July 1st	Priority	Apply for GradPlus Loans StudentLoans.gov Apply for Private Loans Lender website	Returning Students
July 1st	Priority	Accept Your Awards my.american.edu	Incoming Students
July 1st	Priority	Entrance Counseling StudentLoans.gov	First-Time Borrowers at WCL
July 1st	Priority	Complete Both the Stafford and GradPlus Loan MPN StudentLoans.gov	First-Time Borrowers
August 1st	Priority	Accept Your Awards my.american.edu	Returning Students

Absolute Deadline – If missed, processing is continued on an exceptional basis through appeal. Appeals must be submitted in writing.

Priority Deadline – Forms are processed in the order received; filing late may result in a delay of funds.

FAFSA & Need Access – New forms are available January 1st.

Summer Aid Application – New form is available in early spring. Notice is posted.

WCL Grant Supplemental Information Form – New form is available in early spring. Notice is posted.

Applying for GradPlus & Private Loans – Apply by the deadline but not before May 1 (unless taking Summer classes) to avoid another credit check before loan certification/processing takes place.