Timeline
Key to being timely is to complete your FAFSA each year as soon after October 1 as possible.
Because some aid programs are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis, an early application received by December 1 gets priority consideration for limited funding sources.
Use this timeline as your guide. Take the time to note events as they occur so that you have a record of when you complete them and look ahead to plan for upcoming events.
The 2025-26 FAFSA
The FAFSA for the 2025-26 school year is now available for students and contributors. To fill out the 2025-26 FAFSA go to studentaid.gov
Notice on 2024-25
See information specific to 2024-25 and the one-time delay of the FAFSA.
We understand the need for an award offer for admission decisions and financial planning. The FAFSA delay is also delaying applicant information to schools so as to make financial aid packages. We will be adjusting this timeline to reflect our plans as we get updates from the Department of Education on release of FAFSA data.
NOTE: UC has extended the Fall 2024 confirmation deadline for Uptown first-year students from May 1, 2024, to June 1, 2024, at 5:00 pm EST due to delays in the 2024-25 award process.
Benchmark |
Who |
Event |
Mid-junior |
Incoming freshmen |
Begin scholarship search process by collecting information on scholarships, their deadlines and application processes. |
Mid-August |
Incoming students |
Admission application to UC for upcoming year available. |
All new and returning students |
FAFSA is available each October 1; see information specific to 2024-25 FAFSA. Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after this date each year. |
|
December 1 |
Incoming freshmen |
Admission application (and required supporting materials) must be received for Cincinnatus Scholarship Program (as well as most other freshman scholarships) consideration. |
February 15 |
All new and returning students |
Complete annual FAFSA by this date for priority consideration for limited funding sources; see information specific to 2024-25 FAFSA. |
Mid-March |
All enrolled students | Summer registration begins. |
| April (anticipated date for 2024-25) | All new undergradaute and Law students |
Initial Financial Aid Award Offers sent to students with complete records. Award Offers are sent continually as admission offers are made, FAFSA data is received, and students provide supplemental information, if requested. Use Check My Aid to monitor your aid status. |
| April (anticipated date for 2024-25) | All returning undergraduate and Law students as well as all graduate students |
Initial Financial Aid Award Offers sent to students with complete records. Award Offers are sent continually as FAFSA data is received and students provide supplemental information, if requested. Use Check My Aid to monitor your aid status. |
When accepting |
All new and returning students |
Estimate your bill to understand amount needed to cover your expenses and plan for any out-of-pocket expenses. |
After |
All |
New UC loan borrowers complete loan counseling and promissory note(s). |
Early April |
All enrolled students |
Summer bills will begin being produced for students who are registered. |
Mid-April |
All enrolled students |
Fall registration (for returning students) begins. |
April 30 |
New transfer students |
Admission application deadline for scholarship consideration |
Late May |
Returning students |
Evaluation of eligibility for aid based on academic progress. |
June |
Incoming freshmen |
Orientation including fall registration. |
July 1 |
All new and returning students |
FAFSA and aid-related Tasks in Catalyst should be submitted by this date to ensure completion of the full process in time for fall bill payment due date. Students may continue to apply and completed Tasks after this date though aid may not be processed by the time fall payment is due. |
Mid-July |
All enrolled students |
Fall bills will begin being produced for students who are registered. |
Mid- |
All new and returning students |
Postings of jobs for Federal Work-Study awardees available. |
Late August |
All enrolled students |
Fall semester classes begin. |
October 1 |
All new and returning students |
Begin timeline again (see October 1) for next year's aid. |
Mid- |
All enrolled students |
Spring semester registration begins. |
Early December |
All enrolled students |
Spring bills will begin being produced for students who are registered. |
December 25 - January 1 |
All students |
Student Financial Aid, Enrollment Services, and all university offices closed the final week of December for winter holiday season; web services remain available. |
Early January |
All enrolled students |
Spring semester classes begin. |
Early February |
All enrolled students |
Students attending summer classes should contact Enrollment Services regarding summer aid eligibility. |
Early May |
All enrolled students |
Cincinnatus community service hours due for renewal of scholarship awards. |
Any time a student exits the university for more than just the summer (even if they plan to re-enroll later), exit counseling is required of student loan borrowers.