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Applying for Aid

Applying for Aid

The Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to apply for nearly all types of financial aid including federal, state, and institutional aid. The purpose of the FAFSA is to determine a family's ability to pay for college according to a federal calculation. The result is called the Student Aid Index (SAI). This figure is used by Financial Aid Services to determine how much and what types of aid may be awarded.

The U.S. Department of Education provides a yearly comprehensive booklet - Completing the FAFSA.

OU's Federal School Code - 003184

2024-2025 FAFSA Updates

The 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has been redesigned under the FAFSA Simplification Act to allow for a better user experience. The new FAFSA application is now open. 
 

FAFSA Updates

FAFSA Checklist:

  1. Create a FSA ID
    The student and any parents living within your household will need an FSA ID. If a student has two parents at home, both will be required to sign and give consent on your FAFSA. An FSA ID is a username and password that you must use to log in to certain U.S. Department of Education (ED) websites. Your FSA ID identifies you as someone who has the right to access your own personal information on ED websites such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

  2. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
    Step by step instructions are available on the FAFSA website including online help and contact information. The Federal Student Aid Information Center has extended hours and may be reached by phone at 1-800-4FED-AID. Be sure to include OU's Federal School Code - 003184.

  3. Review the FAFSA Submission Summary
    After completing the FAFSA, an email is sent by Federal Student Aid to the student at the email address provided on the FAFSA. This email includes a link to the FAFSA Submission Summary. The FAFSA Submission Summary includes instructions to review the information carefully and make any corrections necessary. Log into fafsa.gov to make any corrections.

OU Financial Aid Services will normally receive your FAFSA results 3 to 5 working days after completion or corrections are made.