Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Filing the FAFSA is the best way to get scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study. It’s the most important step (and the first step you should take when applying for financial aid!) in paying for college. And it’s easier than you think!

Start your FAFSA

Who can get financial aid?

To qualify for financial aid, you’ll need to meet these basic requirements:

  • Complete your FAFSA using NAU’s school code 001082.
  • Have earned your high school diploma or GED.
  • Be admitted to a degree-seeking program.
  • Be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen.
  • Not be in default on previous loans or owe refunds on grants.
  • Submit any documents we request.
  • Stay in good academic standing (Satisfactory Academic Progress).

File your FAFSA

Don’t wait! The FAFSA opens October 1 each year. File early to get the best aid package. You don’t have to be admitted to NAU first, but you do need to use our school code: 001082.

NAU’s priority deadline: April 1

Filing your FAFSA will be something you do each year to renew your eligibility, not only when you apply for college.

Note: Undocumented students who are ineligible to complete the FAFSA can complete the CSS profile using NAU school code 4006.

Complete your FAFSA form

Loan options

After you file your FAFSA, you might see federal and/or private loan options in your LOUIE account. These can help cover what grants and scholarships don’t. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Federal direct student loans

Direct loans are the most common student loans and are offered to undergrads. They come with fixed interest rates and flexible repayment options.

Federal PLUS loans

PLUS loans are for graduate students or parents of undergraduate students. They’re also federal loans, but they’re credit-based.

Private loans

Private loans come from banks or credit unions, not the government. They usually have higher interest rates and fewer repayment options, so consider federal loans first.

Federal nursing loans

NAU nursing students may qualify for limited, low-interest federal nursing loans specific to nursing programs. Check with the College of Nursing for availability.