Financial Aid Application Process for Current Students

STEP 1 - Submit the FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Renewal FAFSA can be completed online at www.fafsa.gov.

We also ask that you complete the Lawrence University Named Scholarship Form. You can learn more about named scholarships by clicking here.

STEP 2 - Processing Your Application

After you submit your FAFSA, you will receive a Student Aid Report. Your Student Aid Report which will include your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), as well as a review of the information you submitted on the FAFSA. The Office of Financial Aid will receive your FAFSA electronically in approximately 2-3 business days.

Please note: If the Department of Education has selected your application for verification (as can be seen by an asterisk next to your EFC on the first page of your Student Aid Report), the Office of Financial Aid will request certain tax documents. This will include signed copies of federal tax returns and W-2 forms for both you and your parent(s), as well as a signed and completed Dependent Verification Worksheet.

Independent students selected for verification will need to submit signed copies of their federal tax returns (and spouse, if applicable), as well as a signed and completed Independent Verification Worksheet.

After all necessary documents have been received and verified, your financial aid package will be determined.

STEP 3 - Receiving Your Financial Aid Award

The Office of Financial Aid will send students an email when their financial aid award is ready to view on Voyager. Paper award letters will not be sent. Students are responsible for reading and understanding all Terms and Conditions of their financial aid.

Some types of aid (i.e., loans and work study) must be accepted (in full or part) or declined. This can also be done through Voyager.

STEP 4 - Accepting Your Loan(s) for the First Time

If you have not previously borrowed a Federal Direct Stafford Loan, you must complete the following:

  1. Complete Direct Loan Entrance Counseling online. The Federal Government requires you to complete loan counseling to ensure that you understand the responsibilities and obligations you are assuming.
  2. Sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN) using the PIN number you received from the Department of Education.

In addition, a parent may borrow a Federal PLUS Loan on behalf of a dependent student for the student's educational expenses. For information or to apply, please visit the Financing Options page.