At the time you begin your application for admission, you should begin the financial aid application process. If you wait until you are admitted to apply for financial aid, you may miss important deadlines. Having the requested documents filed with us in advance will expedite the process once you are admitted. When submitting documents, always write the student's full name, Emory ID or SSN (if Emory ID is unknown) on each document. Generally our office can confirm receipt of documentation within 5-7 business days from the date the document was mailed. During the review process additional documents may be requested if needed. Applying for financial aid can seem overwhelming at first. The information about the application process, required forms and deadlines included on this web page will make it simpler for you.

Step 1: Complete and submit the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (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.

Using FAFSA On The Web:

Emory strongly recommends using FAFSA On The Web. FAFSA On The Web identifies potential errors and prompts you to make on-the-spot corrections. FAFSA On The Web includes online instructions for each question.

In order to electronically sign your FAFSA application, you should register for a PIN (Personal Identification Number) at www.pin.ed.gov. The PIN is an electronic access code that serves as your identifier with the federal processor. The PIN allows you to apply online for federal aid, make corrections to your FAFSA and access your Student Aid Report (SAR).

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.

The Department of Education's Central Processing System will process your application in three to five days if you have provided electronic signatures (using your PIN).

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

If you are unable to complete the FAFSA online, please contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243.

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

Your SAR reports all the information you gave on your FAFSA. You will get an email within a few days from the federal processor containing a secure link so you can 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 contains instructions on how to make corrections.

Step 3: Provide a signed copy of your Student 2009 federal tax return if you have been federally selected for verification. Submit returns to the Office of Financial Aid. 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 5: 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. If you are unsure what your OPUS login is, check with the Emory IT Help Desk at 404-727-7777.