How to Apply for Financial Aid
Office of Financial Aid
Start your financial aid application
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is provided by the US Department of Education to help students like yourself apply for federal financial aid.
The 2023–2024 FAFSA is required for financial aid consideration during the fall 2023, winter 2024, spring 2024, and summer 2024 semesters.
The 2022-2023 FAFSA is required for financial aid consideration during the fall 2022, winter 2023, spring 2023, and summer 2023 semesters.
Determine your enrollment status
| Program types | Enrollment status | Credit requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, online bachelor’s, teaching licensure | Half-time | At least 6 credits per semester |
| Full-time | At least 12 credits per semester | |
| Full-time (for state grants) | At least 15 credits per semester for full reward | |
| Master’s, doctorate, graduate certificates | Half-time | At least 4 credits per semester |
| Full-time | At least 8 credits per semester |
A step-by-step guide to the FAFSA
Finding the appropriate funds to secure a higher education can feel overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. Use our easy-to-follow guide to complete your FAFSA and get one step closer to making your education affordable.
1. Create an account to get your FSA ID
The FSA ID—a user name and password—has replaced the Federal Student Aid PIN and must be used to log in to certain US Department of Education websites. Your FSA ID confirms your identity when you access your financial aid information and electronically sign Federal Student Aid documents.
- If you do not already have an FSA ID, you can make one by creating an account using the buttons above. For more information about FSA IDs, reference this FAFSA guide (PDF).
- You won’t be able to use your FSA ID until your Social Security number is verified. This can take a few days.
2. Prepare your required documents
Once you’ve created an account, you’re ready to get started with the FAFSA form. Before filling out the application, make sure you have the necessary documents.
2023–24 FAFSA
- Federal income tax returns and schedules for 2021
- W-2 forms for 2021
- Records of any untaxed benefits received in 2021
- Current bank statements
- Records of other savings and investments such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds (not including retirement or pension accounts)
3. Complete the FAFSA form by the priority deadline
We strongly encourage you to begin the FAFSA application process in January by creating an FSA ID, if needed (see step 1). Hamline’s federal school code is 002354.
Take your time as you go through the FAFSA form, but try to make the priority deadline. Refer to the table below to see which deadline applies to you. We also recommend that you elect to download tax data directly from the IRS. Learn more about how to take advantage of this option on our IRS Data Retrieval Tool page.
| Student types | 2023–24 deadlines |
|---|---|
| New undergraduate (first-year and international) students | February 1, 2023 |
| New transfer and online bachelor's degree completion students | February 1, 2023 |
| Returning undergraduate students | April 20, 2023 |
| All post-baccalaureate students | April 20, 2023 |
| All graduate and licensure students | April 20, 2023 |
Haven’t received your award yet?
If you’re a 2023–24 FAFSA applicant, check to see if you need to upload any additional documents by logging in to the appropriate student portal. Whether you’re a prospective or returning student, you’ll use Workday to verify your financial aid eligibility and view any pending action items.
Financial aid eligibility and verification
Some students will be selected for verification or need to provide extra documentation before an award can be created.
You can check your student portal (see above for links) to see if you have been selected or if additional documentation is required.
If you feel the FAFSA has not allowed you to record all the factors that affect your financial situation, please request a "Special Circumstance" form from the Office of Financial Aid at finaid@hamline.edu.
Contact information
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Office of Financial Aid