Dates and Deadlines

December 2023

• The U.S. Department of Education has not announced an official release date for the 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); however it is anticipated to open in December.
• The university will admit students, and award scholarships and other financial aid to qualified students on a rolling basis as applications are received.

Early Spring

• Award notifications begin for new students. Watch your VandalMail for notification and log in to VandalWeb to review financial aid awards.
• Spring university billing statements are sent to students registered for the spring semester. Statements will reflect accepted financial aid awards including loans if all requirements are complete.
• Ensure direct deposit is set up for earliest availability of residual funds.
• Awards should be accepted and promissory notes signed for funds to be disbursed by the first day of school. Please make sure promissory notes and entrance counseling have been completed (note that Master Promissory Notes and Entrance Counseling do not have to be signed each semester).
• The first direct deposit of residual funds will be sent to banks by the first day of the spring semester.
• Students and families should review finances to make sure expenses are covered for the upcoming semester.

Late Spring

• Summer Session financial aid applications available online.

June 1

• Accept financial aid awards. New borrowers sign a Master Promissory Note and complete the Entrance Counseling process online.
• If a Parent PLUS loan is accepted, a parent must complete an application and sign a Master Promissory Note.

Mid-July

• Fall university billing statements are sent to students registered for the fall semester. Statements will reflect accepted financial aid awards including loans if all requirements are complete.
• Make sure promissory notes and entrance counseling have been completed.
• Review finances to make sure tuition and fees, room and board and book expenses are covered.
• Financial Aid counselors are available to assist students and families in determining options.
• Make sure promissory notes and entrance counseling have been completed.
• Set up direct deposit.

August

• Awards must be accepted and all requirements completed for funds to be disbursed by the first day of school.
• First-time recipients of a work-study award should plan to attend a work-study orientation. Previous recipients may pick up job referrals in our office after classes start.
• The first direct deposit of residual funds will be sent to banks by the first day of the fall semester. Banks may take a few days to process.

September

• Last day to drop/add a course, or register, see Registrar.
• Bills due the first day of classes. See schedule for Late Fees.
• Credits are locked on day 10 of the semester (U of I Census Date), and aid is processed accordingly.
• Accept any remaining financial aid awards, if necessary.
• New borrowers for spring semester must sign a Master Promissory Note and complete entrance counseling online.
• If a Parent PLUS loan is accepted, a parent must complete an application and sign a Master Promissory Note.