How to Apply for Financial Aid as a Graduate Student

Step 1: Fill out your FAFSA

To be considered for financial aid, you must also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) every year.

  • You will need your FSA ID to complete the application. If you need a FSA ID, visit “FSA ID”
  • Be sure to release your data to us. The Ithaca College school code for the FAFSA is 002739.
  • The priority deadline is March 1.

Complete the FAFSA online

FAFSA Tips
  • Don’t leave anything blank! Since your required tax information is from the year before last, it should be easy to complete the form as you already have the data. However, you can still complete the FAFSA even if you haven’t yet filed your prior income tax returns (although we prefer you complete your taxes first for accuracy).
  • Make sure your Social Security number and date of birth are accurate.
  • Do not use your Ithaca College student ID number on the FAFSA.
  • Check the box to be considered for all available aid. You can always turn down particular types of aid later.

Step 2: Complete the necessary graduate aid applications

If you are offered a Graduate Direct PLUS Loan in your financial aid award letter, you will need to apply for your Graduate Direct PLUS Loan via www.studentaid.gov.

Step 3: Notify us of any changes in your family's circumstances

If you or your family have had changes in family income and/or unusual expenses, it may affect your financial aid. To learn more about how changes could affect your aid and what you need to do in that situation, see our information on changes in financial status.

Change of financial status