Financial Aid for Returning Students

The application deadline for returning students is May 1 (FAFSA, Online Application and PROFILE, if it is being completed). All forms can be submitted online and may be accessed from this site. If supporting documents are required (e.g., verification materials, copies of tax returns and W-2 forms), they should be provided to us before the end of May, if possible. We will release financial aid awards to returning students whose files are complete in late June (before billing statements are sent).

Note: Returning international students are not required to file new applications each year.

Dickinson College Online Financial Aid Application ~ to be completed by the student

This form is required to determine continued eligibility for institutional grant assistance. The online application asks for general information, extracurricular activities, and a family member listing. Completion time is estimated at 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the number of extracurricular activities in which you participate. Complete by May 1. This application is available from the Student Forms tab on the Dickinson Gateway (click on Financial Aid ).

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

File after January 1 but before May 1.

NOTE: This is Dickinson's deadline. Some state grant deadlines are earlier than this. See FAFSA instructions for details. Dickinson College's FAFSA code is 003253. File online.

If your FAFSA is selected for verification by the U.S. Department of Education, new processes are now in effect. Our office has prepared the 2012-13 Verification Update which we encourage you to read. To obtain a copy of the 2013 - 14 Dependent Verification Worksheet, click here. Independent student, click here. Please contact us if you have questions or need help.

Federal Direct Loan

If you have a Direct Loan for the current year, you will not have to complete a new promissory note. We will determine your maximum eligibility for a Direct Loan and notify you via your award notice. If you wish to reduce or decline the loan, you should indicate this on the award notice and return it to our office.

CSS PROFILE Application

Note: Students whose financial circumstances remain the same as the previous year need only submit the FAFSA and the Dickinson College Online Financial Aid Application.

Students who have not previously applied for financial aid or who believe that they will need additional financial assistance should submit the CSS PROFILE so that we may assess or reassess their financial need. Signed copies of current year tax returns are also required.

In some cases, the college may need additional forms such as the Noncustodial Parent Statement. If noncustodial parent information is needed, you will be contacted by the Financial Aid office

Other Financing Options

PLUS and Private Alternative Loans typically require a new application each year. There is no absolute deadline, but applications should be completed by early July for funds to be on hand at the beginning of the semester.

Parents may also take advantage of a monthly payment option through TMS (Tuition Management Systems).