Step-by-step to financial aid: undergraduates

Step 1: File the FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the most important step in the financial aid process. It’s the best way to maximize the aid you receive. Visit FAFSA for detailed instructions and a helpful video.

• FAFSA must be completed each year and opens on October 1st
• Priority filing date: April 1
• You don’t need to be admitted to NAU to file the FAFSA, but once you are we can tell you what aid you qualify for
• Use NAU’s school code: 001082

Note for undocumented students: If you’re not eligible to complete the FAFSA, you can file the CSS Profile using NAU school code 4006.

Step 2: Use the Net Price Calculator

Want a customized estimate of what it might cost to attend NAU? Our Net Price Calculator gives you a personalized estimate and can even match you with potential scholarships and aid.

Step 3: Review your financial aid offer

Watch your mailbox for your financial aid offer letter—it details the scholarships and other aid you’re eligible for. Review it carefully, as it can help you decide whether you’ll need additional loans, grants, or scholarships.

Step 4: Don’t miss scholarship opportunities

Explore more scholarships with ScholarshipUniverse, a tool that helps you match with and apply for additional opportunities.

Private scholarships: Third-party donor checks should be received by July 1 for fall and December 1 for spring to ensure timely posting.

A few more things to keep in mind

• Stay up to date: Check your LOUIE To Do List, plus your personal and NAU email accounts, regularly.
• Eligibility requirements: To be eligible for federal financial aid, a student meet the eligibility requirements.
• Dates and deadlines: Stay on track with important financial aid and scholarship deadlines to ensure you don’t miss out on funding opportunities.
• Disbursement: Financial aids is disbursed shortly before classes start each semester. Learn more about the aid disbursement order and timelines.
• Satisfactory Academic Progress: It is important that students understand their Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) status and the action(s) needed to remain eligible for federal and state financial aid. 

Have questions? Reach out to us at 928-523-4951 or financial.aid@nau.edu.

Haven’t applied to NAU yet? Submit your undergraduate application when you’re ready. Starting your FAFSA early can still help you get the most aid possible.