How do I apply for financial aid from Lafayette?

You must file the College Scholarship Service Profile and the FAFSA. File the Profile as early as Oct. 1 (but no later than Feb. 15) of your senior year in high school. For detailed information, see First Time Applicants.

Where do I get the forms?

You may access the forms online at www.collegeboard.com for the CSS Profile and www.fafsa.ed.gov for the FAFSA. Supplemental forms such as the Business/Farm Supplement and the Noncustodial Profile will be available to you when you apply, if applicable.

Should I wait to complete my tax return before applying for aid?

NO! You and your parents should use your best estimates for current year income. Financial aid office staff will update information on both the Profile and FAFSA when you complete your federal income tax returns and submit signed copies to the College Board through the IDOC service.

What if I decide to apply Early Decision?

Lafayette guarantees to meet the demonstrated financial need of students admitted under the Early Decision Plan who adhere to the criteria for consideration listed in the section "How to Apply; Early Decision." ED applicants may submit the CSS Profile as early as Oct. 1 using estimated information, but no later than two weeks after the application for admission or Early Decision agreement has been received by the College. ED applicants must also file the FAFSA by Feb. 15.

How do I complete the forms if my parents are divorced or separated?

The CSS Profile and the FAFSA must be completed with information from your custodial parent or the parent with whom you live most of the year. If your family unit includes a stepparent, then that information should also be included on the CSS profile. A Noncustodial Profile must be filed by the noncustodial parent and his/her spouse. Rest assured that a contribution is not expected from more than two parents.

What is included in a financial aid package and when will I be notified?

Grant funds are the primary component of any need-based Lafayette financial aid package. Student loans and/or a work-study assignment make up the remainder of the package. Award letters for all on time applicants are mailed the first week in April, soon after the admissions letter.

What is Lafayette's outside scholarship policy?

Scholarships and awards from outside sources such as foundations, community organizations and corporations are valuable resources to help you fund your education. Our policy serves as a reward for your hard work and scholarship since the funds are used to reduce or eliminate the loan and/or job portion of your financial aid award. Students must notify the financial aid office of any outside awards from sources other than federal or state governments. All outside scholarships and awards supplement the Lafayette College Grant you may have been awarded as long as all sources do not exceed our total costs of education (as listed in our breakdown of college costs).Tuition Benefits, Tuition Exchange, federal grants, and state grants are not considered outside scholarships or awards. Student athletes must also send copies of any scholarships to the department of athletics and are subject to NCAA and/or Patriot League guidelines.

Do you offer scholarships based on academic merit?

Lafayette offers special educational opportunities and more than $1 million in scholarships to the most promising applicants through the Marquis and Trustee Scholarship Program. Marquis Scholarships are $16,000 per year and Trustee Scholarships are $8,000 per year. Recipients are also entitled to receive grant-to-need if they demonstrate financial need beyond the scholarship levels and meet the filing deadlines. Selection is made by the admissions office in early March, and a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 is required to retain the scholarships.

Lafayette's financial aid calculator will allow you to obtain a preliminary estimate of your need as well as your family's expected contribution based on institutional methodology.

Will I qualify for financial aid if my parents' income is high?

There is no automatic cutoff for financial aid eligibility since the analysis goes beyond income and asset information. Other factors that are considered include number of family members, college students, medical/dental expenses, home mortgages, private educational costs, and any other special circumstances that are individual to your family.

How will aid be determined after the first year?

Lafayette is committed to assisting you with your education costs for the full four years. You must continue to make satisfactory academic progress, apply by the established deadlines, and continue to demonstrate need. Need is derived the same way your original award was determined. Each year's award will reflect any increases in Lafayette costs, and any significant changes in family circumstances (better or worse) may result in a change in your financial aid award.

What happens if I don't qualify for financial aid my first year?

All students may request consideration for financial aid. Once the financial aid office has honored aid commitments to prior recipients, all new applicants will be reviewed in order to determine financial need. Funding is based on need, availability of funds, and each student's grade point average so it is important to maintain strong academic standing consistently.

Can I meet with a financial aid director?

The financial aid office offers both personal and phone appointments. Just call (610) 330-5055 and request an appointment at a convenient time. If you choose a phone appointment, the time will be reserved for you just as if you were coming in personally. This method allows the director to have your information available and ensures no interruptions.