Returning students must reapply each year for financial aid. Gather the appropriate documents and resources before you begin the application process for the new year. Your PIN number, SSN, tax returns, W-2 forms, other records of money earned, and bank statements will be needed.

Please keep in mind that school aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to qualified applicants, thereby increasing the advantages of applying for aid early. Later qualified applicants may not receive grants due to funding limitations.

Step 1: Complete and submit your Renewal FAFSA using FAFSA On The Web.

Be sure to include Emory's School Code 001564 when completing the FAFSA. This code will ensure Emory receives your FAFSA information electronically from the federal processor.

It is helpful to have a copy of your 2009 U.S. Income Tax Return available for reference when completing the FAFSA. You may use your 2008 return until the 2009 is completed. It is better to file with estimated figures than to delay the application process. The estimated figures can be updated at a later date by your advisor when the actual 2009 return is completed.

In December 2009, all renewal eligible FAFSA applicants will receive a email reminder to complete the 2009-10 renewal FAFSA.

If you are a returning student and did not file a 2009-10 FAFSA, you will not receive a reminder notice. You must log on to FAFSA On The Web and submit the 2010-11 FAFSA to be considered for financial aid. The Department of Education's Central Processing System will process your application in three to five days, provided you have provided an electronic signature (using your PIN).

You can file the Renewal FAFSA online for 2010-11 award year beginning January 1, 2010.

Step 2: After you apply, you will receive your Student Aid Report (SAR).

Your SAR reports all the information you gave on your Renewal FAFSA. You'll get an email within a few days from the federal processor containing a secure link to access your SAR on the Web.

Review your SAR carefully to make sure it is correct and complete. If you need to make corrections to the SAR, you can make them online. Your SAR will contain instructions on how to make corrections.

Step 3: If you are applying for institutional aid, complete and submit the College Scholarship Service PROFILE application.

PROFILE registrations are not transferable from year-to-year. You will need to register with the College Scholarship Service for 2010-11. Click on PROFILE Online under “Pay For College” and follow the online instructions from there. Make sure you select Emory PROFILE code 5187 before exiting the registration process. This will ensure we receive your PROFILE results.

It takes about one week from the time you submit your PROFILE application for your information to be delivered electronically to Emory. Once you have completed your PROFILE, you will receive an online PROFILE acknowledgement. Review the acknowledgment carefully to make sure it is correct and complete.

The PROFILE application requires a fee. You may pay by credit or debit card or electronic check when completing the online application.

Once you submit your PROFILE, you cannot revise your information online. Any changes must be sent directly to Emory.

Students graduating in December are not eligible for institutional assistance. As a result, those students should not complete a PROFILE application. Please email your financial aid advisor and the PROFILE request can be waived.

Step 4: Provide a signed copy of your Student 2009 federal tax return if you are applying for institutional funds or if you have been federally selected for verification. Submit the return to the Office of Financial Aid in time to meet the tax return deadline. We will review your file and make your aid award after the tax return is received.

To know if you have been selected for verification, check your SAR. If there is an asterisk (*) next to the EFC, your FAFSA has been selected for verification by the federal processor.

The advisor reviewing your file will determine whether you are eligible to receive financial aid. During this review, you may be asked to submit additional documents. Please check OPUS frequently for outstanding items under your To Do List.

Step 6: After your file has been reviewed and your financial aid eligibility determined, you will be notified by email (your Emory assigned email address) that your award is available for you to view and accept/decline in OPUS.

Please keep in mind our primary means of communicating with you throughout the year will be email. In addition, it is also very important that we have your correct mailing address. Email and mailing addresses can be updated and reviewed on OPUS under Personal Information.