How to Apply for Financial Aid
Applying for financial aid at ODU is easy.
We will help you every step of the way to get you the best financial aid package possible.
The application process for financial aid begins with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is the only application you need to complete for ALL federal, state and ODU aid programs including loans, grants and scholarships.
2024-25 FAFSA Not Opening Until December
Unlike in previous years when the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has opened on Oct. 1, this year’s FAFSA will not open until December. ODU’s website will be updated with more detailed information once it becomes available.
December
File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov. It is helpful to have a copy of your latest tax return when filling it out.
IMPORTANT: When completing the FAFSA, make sure you list Ohio Dominican's school code: 003035.
January–February
Ohio Dominican will begin sending Financial Aid Award Letter and Cost Estimate Worksheets.
February 15
FAFSA priority deadline.
April
Ohio Dominican will notify students of additional items needed to complete their financial
aid.
April–June
Complete items needed to finish financial aid. Examples include master promissory
notes for loans, entrance counseling, verification paperwork, etc. You will be notified
by the Financial Aid Office on items that are needed.
March–August
Notify the Financial Aid Office if you are receiving any outside scholarships.
If you have never borrowed a Federal Stafford Loan before, you will need to complete entrance counseling before your loan is disbursed. This will give you all the information you need regarding your rights and responsibilities as a student loan borrower. You can do this online.
Also, if you are a new borrower who has not completed a Master Promissory Note (MPN), you will need to do so to have your funds disbursed to your account.
No funds will be disbursed until the MPN has been completed. Don't forget that you must be enrolled for a minimum of six credit hours each semester in which you wish to borrow a Stafford loan.
A very useful website for financial aid planning and calculating is FinAid.org.
FinAid's custom calculators can help you figure out how much school will cost, how much you need to save and how much aid you'll need. You can also use these additional calculators: