Complete and File Your FAFSA or Free Application for Federal Student Aid
FAFSA is the only application required by Hofstra University to begin the financial aid process. That makes it the single most important step!
Why It's Important
Information from your FAFSA is used to determine your eligibility for financial aid. No FAFSA – no aid. So be sure to file!
When to File
The FAFSA application is available for the 2024-2025 academic year.
- For new students: Hofstra University recommends that you file your application by November 15 of the year before for which you desire aid. For example, most incoming freshmen should file their FAFSA by November 15 of their senior year in high school. Packaging begins in January and continues throughout the year.
- For continuing students: Hofstra University recommends that you file your application as soon as you can after the FAFSA opens. Packaging begins in June and, in order to receive the most accurate financial aid package, all requirements should be completed by packaging time.
- Visit our deadline calendar for more info.
A note about the deadlines: When you visit the FAFSA website, you may notice the official deadline to submit the FAFSA on the web. Please realize that Hofstra must receive your completed FAFSA prior to your last date of attendance for the academic year. Filing your FAFSA by November 15 will ensure that your application is in order prior to the school year.
How to File
File your FAFSA online https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. Have your U.S. Department of Education PIN handy. And when you're asked to enter a “federal code” for Hofstra University, input: 002732. Take a look at our FAFSA FAQs to get answers to common questions, or contact your SFS Counselor for assistance.
What to Expect
AWARD NOTIFICATIONS BEGIN IN MID-JANUARY FOR ADMITTED STUDENTS. THIS NOTIFICATION WILL OUTLINE WHAT YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR AND WHAT NEXT STEPS YOU NEED TO TAKE. Here's how it works:
Once you complete the FAFSA and provide the required signatures, you must wait 3-5 days while your FAFSA is processed. Your information will be automatically sent to you, and you'll receive a Student Aid Report (SAR).
Your SAR will summarize the data you reported on your FAFSA, so be sure to check it carefully and keep a copy of it. Please pay close attention to your Student Aid Index (SAI). If your FAFSA information is complete, an SAI will appear in the upper right corner of your SAR. Your SAI is based on the financial information you provided on the FAFSA, and this figure will be used by Hofstra to award your financial aid.
Verification
When a student's application is selected for verification, this may mean that a data element in his/her application does not fit generally recognized patterns (not necessarily that the element is incorrect; it merely must be verified), or that the student was simply selected at random. Hofstra’s Student Financial Services/Financial Aid Offices also have the authority to select files for verification if there appears to be a conflict of information. If a student is selected for verification, he/she is notified on the Student Aid Report (SAR). The student will then be notified by the Office of Financial Aid to submit specific information.
Federal verification regulations require the following:
- Federal financial aid cannot be disbursed until verification is complete.
- Verification may result in corrections that change your award amounts.
- Stafford Loans will not be certified until verification is complete.
- Estimated financial aid awards will be removed if verification is not completed within specified deadlines. Any deferred tuition and fees become due immediately.
- Please Keep in Mind:
- Corrections will be made for information that is not accurately provided by you and could affect your ability to receive aid. You will be notified of any adjustments that need to be made. Most of these corrections can be done electronically by our office. If they cannot be made electronically, you will need to send your Student Aid Report (SAR) to the Federal Processor for corrections.
- If the corrections are done electronically, you will be sent an updated Student Aid Report (SAR) from the Federal Processor.
- The status of verification, confirmation of charges, and awards are indicated on the Hofstra online information system, which can be accessed through your Hofstra portal at my.hofstra.edu.
- You will also receive an email regarding the outcome of your verification.
- Verification must be completed no later than 90 days past the last day of your enrollment for the each academic year, or by August 31 following each academic year, whichever comes first.
- Corrections involving the Federal Processor must be made prior to mid-August.
- Verification documentation in support of Federal Stafford Loans must be provided at least 45 days prior to the end of the semester.
- If the information is not submitted with enough processing time before the deadline, it maybe too late for us to complete processing of your application.
Still Have Questions?
Visit our FAFSA FAQ first. If you don't see an answer to your question, contact your SFS Counselor.