Frequently Asked Questions

Financial aid is funding awarded to eligible students to assist with the cost of attending a college or university. ASU’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships helps students make and finalize financial aid arrangements.

Financial aid is awarded in the form of grants, scholarships, loans and work-study. Grants and scholarships are generally considered gift aid and do not have to be repaid. Loans must be paid back, usually upon the completion of the degree. However, many loans have different repayment requirements, so please check with the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships concerning the various loan programs. College work-study programs allow students to work on and off campus to earn a portion of their financial aid through a monthly paycheck.

Financial aid can come from a variety of sources, including federal and state governments, the university or outside sources, such as companies or civic groups.

You will first need to Create an Account and get your Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID). This can be done now. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) should be submitted electronically as soon as possible each year. The 2025-2026 FAFSA (for students attending fall 2025, spring 2026, and summer 2025) is available now.

All other required forms should be completed and submitted directly to the ASU Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. Please see the financial aid checklist and priority dates pages for more information. The application period for institutional and outside agency scholarships will vary, depending on the program.

Financial need is the difference between the cost of attending the university and the resources available to the student to help meet that cost. Thus, financial need is:

Cost of Attendance (COA)
Minus
Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
Minus
Other Available Resources
Equals
Financial Need

The EFC is determined by filing the FAFSA and combining the student’s contribution and the parents’ contribution (for dependent students). All applicants are required to inform the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships of any additional assistance to be received from outside sources during the application period.

Upon the student’s completion of the application, the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships will determine programs that the applicant is eligible for and then offer a financial aid package that may include grants, scholarships, loans and/or work-study.

Please read “Requesting a Tax Transcript”

Please read “Enrollment”

Please read “Repeat Coursework”

Please read “Dropping a Class”

Please read “Refunds”