Info for New or Transfer Students

In October, or as early as possible before completing the FAFSA, sign up for an FSA ID if you have not already. You also need UofL’s school code: 001999.

To ensure you receive your financial aid offer in a timely manner, activate your ULink account and log in to ULink consistently to complete the tasks in your To Do List, including any necessary financial aid documentation. Make sure to review and accept your financial aid offer once it is delivered.

Info for Returning Students

All students, including current students at the University of Louisville who are planning on returning, must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) every year. File your FAFSA and renew other aid as early as possible after FAFSA becomes available to maximize your chances of receiving the most financial aid.

FAFSA and Financial Aid Application Timeline

New and returning UofL students: It’s important to submit the FAFSA and complete your University of Louisville financial aid application as early as possible to account for possible additional steps such as verification and maximize your potential aid.

After completing the FAFSA, complete your financial aid file by reviewing your ULink To Do List, reporting other aid sources and submitting any additional forms necessary, such as tuition waivers or work-study request forms.

More Notable Dates

After you submit your FAFSA and complete the remaining steps in your financial aid application, the Department of Education processes your form, and the Student Financial Aid Office reviews your entire financial aid file. You can expect to receive your financial aid offer within one month of submission. It is important to review your award letter before accepting any offered aid.

Your next steps: Await the disbursement of your aid, pay off any outstanding balance and lastly, confirm your attendance in your enrolled classes by the census date, the day after the last day to add and drop classes.

  • August: Receive fall tuition bill and initial financial aid disbursements at the start of the semester (upon eligibility).
  • August 26, 2024: Fall term enrollment census date, after which final adjustments to financial aid are made.
  • January: Receive spring tuition bill and initial financial aid disbursements at the start of the semester upon eligibility.
  • January 15, 2025: Spring term enrollment adjustment census date.

Review undergraduate and graduate/professional academic calendars.

Payment Deadlines

The University of Louisville Bursar’s Office delivers your tuition bill to your ULink account at the start of each semester you are enrolled. If your total anticipated aid does not exceed the balance due, you must pay the difference or enroll in a payment plan by the bill payment deadline.

Find upcoming payment deadlines through the Bursar’s Office.

Financial Aid Timeline FAQs

When is the FAFSA due?

For the best chance at receiving maximum aid, submit the FAFSA as early as possible after it opens each year. Visit the Department of Education’s website to verify when the FAFSA is open. Always check specific deadlines for aid sources other than FAFSA like state sources or outside scholarships.

What happens if I miss the deadline for applying for financial aid?

Missing financial aid deadlines can result in losing eligibility for certain financial aid. Contact the Student Financial Aid Office immediately for guidance and to explore alternative funding options.

What happens if I miss the deadline to accept aid?

Failing to accept financial aid by the deadline can lead to the offer being withdrawn, especially for limited-funding aid. If you've missed the deadline, reach out to the financial aid office as soon as possible. They may extend your deadline or re-offer the aid, but this is not guaranteed. Prompt response to financial aid offers is crucial.

Helpful Links

More dates and deadlines may apply to your unique situation depending on your grants, scholarships and other factors. Our team at the Student Financial Aid Office wants to make sure that you feel knowledgeable, empowered and confident during this process, and we will inform you if there is anything you need to do. Please take a look at the information below and reach out to us if you have any questions.