How to Apply for Financial Aid
Office of Financial Aid
Start your financial aid application
When you apply for financial aid, you begin with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Provided by the US Department of Education, the FAFSA helps students like yourself apply for federal financial aid.
- The 2025/2026 FAFSA is currently available for students to complete on studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.
- The 2025/2026 FAFSA is required for need-based financial aid consideration for students enrolling in the fall 2025, winter 2026, spring 2026, and summer 2026 semesters.
- The 2024/2025 FAFSA is currently available for students to complete on studentaid.gov. If you need to make a correction to your 2024-2025 FAFSA, here are some helpful tips.
- The 2024/2025 FAFSA is required for need-based financial aid consideration during the fall 2024, winter 2025, spring 2025, and summer 2025 semesters.
Program types |
Enrollment status |
Credit requirement |
| Undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, online bachelor’s, teaching licensure | Half-time | At least 6 credits per semester |
| Full-time | At least 12 credits per semester | |
| Full-time (for state grants) | At least 15 credits per semester | |
| Master’s, doctorate, graduate certificates | Half-time | At least 4 credits per semester |
| Full-time | At least 8 credits per semester |
How to apply for financial aid: a step-by-step guide to the FAFSA
Finding the appropriate funds to secure a higher education can feel overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be when you get your financial aid application done. Use our easy-to-follow guide to complete your FAFSA and get one step closer to making your education affordable.
1. Create an account to get your FSA ID
The FSA ID must be used to log in to certain US Department of Education websites. Your FSA ID confirms your identity when you access your financial aid information and electronically sign Federal Student Aid documents.
- If you do not already have an FSA ID, you can make one by creating an account using the buttons above. For more information about FSA IDs, reference this FAFSA guide (PDF).
- You won’t be able to use your FSA ID until your FSA ID information is verified. This can take a few days.
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Previously, a Social Security Number (SSN) was required to obtain an FSA ID. However, contributors on the FAFSA that do not have an SSN can now obtain a FSA ID. For instructions on creating a FSA ID without a SSN, reference this guide. Instructions in Spanish can be found in this guide. For instructions on how to submit the FAFSA form if your contributor doesn't have an SSN, view the information on studentaid.gov.
2. Prepare your required documents
Once you’ve created an account, you’re ready to get started with the FAFSA form. Before filling out the application, make sure you have the necessary documents.
2025/2026 and 2024/2025
- Federal income tax returns and schedules for 2023 (for 25/26), and 2022 (for 24/25).
- W-2 forms for 2023 (for 25/26), and 2022 (for 24/25).
- Records of any untaxed benefits received in 2023 (for 25/26) and 2022 (for 24/25).
- Current bank statements.
- Records of other savings and investments such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds (not including retirement or pension accounts.
We strongly encourage you to begin the FAFSA application process in February, prior to the fall start, if needed (see step 1). Hamline's federal school code is 002354.
Final deadlines are prior to the end or withdrawal of your enrollment for the academic year or term in which the FAFSA is used. If attending in summer, it must be completed prior to the end of such term, or by June 30: whichever is sooner
However, to receive your aid more expeditiously, we have priority deadlines. Refer to the table below to see which deadline applies to you.
Student type |
Priority 2025–26 deadlines |
| New undergraduate (first-year and international) students | March 1, 2025 |
| New transfer and online bachelor's degree completion students | April 1, 2025 |
| Returning undergraduate students | April 20, 2025 |
| All post-baccalaureate students | April 20, 2025 |
| All graduate and licensure students | April 20, 2025 |
Missed a priority deadline? Don't worry; we will work with you.
Contact us at 651-523-3000 (office) or email us at finaid@hamline.edu.
Haven’t received your financial aid offer from Hamline yet?
If you’re a 2025/26 or 2024/25 FAFSA applicant, check to see if you need to upload any additional documents by logging in to the appropriate student portal. Whether you’re a prospective or returning student, you’ll use Workday to verify your financial aid eligibility and view any pending action items.
Changes to 2025 and 2024 timelines
The financial aid packaging timeline has been impacted by delays in delivering financial aid information to colleges by the U.S. Department of Education due to necessary updates to the federal processing system. These updates are crucial to ensure that students receive the most accurate and up-to-date financial aid awards possible.
Need help? We're here for you!
We have provided some answers to questions on our main financial aid page.
If you've encountered difficulties submitting your FAFSA or have any questions about financial aid, please don't hesitate to contact our dedicated Financial Aid office at 651-523-3000 or finaid@hamline.edu.
We're committed to ensuring every student has access to the support they need, regardless of FAFSA processing delays. Rest assured, financial aid will continue to be available to our incoming students throughout the enrollment process.
Financial aid eligibility and verification
Some students will be selected for verification or need to provide extra documentation before a financial aid package can be created.
You can check your student portal (see above for links) to see if you have been selected or if additional documentation is required.
If you feel the FAFSA has not allowed you to record all the factors that affect your financial situation, please request a "Special Circumstance" form from the Office of Financial Aid at finaid@hamline.edu.
