Financial Aid for Prospective Students
Applying for need-based aid
After you apply for admission, a customized financial aid checklist will be created for you. Below, please find a general overview of the financial aid application requirements.
Financial Aid Dates
| Admission Plan | Financial Aid Priority Application Date | Financial Aid Notification Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Early Decision | November 8 | Students admitted under Early Decision will be notified by December 1. |
| Early Action & Regular Decision | December 1, 2025 | Students who complete their financial aid checklist by this date, and have been admitted, will receive their financial aid offer by mid-December. |
Financial Aid Checklist
| Requirement | When It’s Needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Free Application for Federal Student Aid, FAFSA | Required | Required to be considered for institutional, state, and federal student aid, including the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Direct Loans, and Federal Work-Study. FAFSA is free. |
| Supplemental financial aid application | Required | Complete either the CSS Profile or the Lawrence Financial Aid Application. |
| Secondary Parent information | Upon Request | May be requested if biological or adoptive parents are divorced, separated, or were never married and live separately. |
| Other supporting documents | Upon Request | The Financial Aid Office may request additional documents to clarify information reported on the FAFSA or supplemental application. |
FAFSA Verification | Upon Request | Some FAFSAs are selected for verification by the Department of Education. If selected, the Financial Aid Office will share next steps. |
Supplemental Financial Aid Application Options
If you are applying to other colleges that require the CSS Profile, you can add Lawrence’s school code and the results will be shared with us.
- Lawrence University CSS Profile code: 1398
- Available: October 1
- Cost: Free for families making less than $100,000; otherwise $25 for the initial application and $16 for each additional institution
This application is free, and the results are shared only with Lawrence University.
- Available: October 1
- Cost: Free
- Log in using your application for admission username and password
Secondary Parent Information
If your biological or adoptive parents are divorced, separated, or were never married and live separately, you may be asked to provide Secondary Parent information.
The FAFSA and supplemental financial aid application are completed with the parent who provided more financial support in the last 12 months. This parent is considered your Primary Parent when applying for financial aid. The parent not included on the FAFSA is considered your Secondary Parent.
Use the Primary Parent chart to help determine which parent should complete the FAFSA and supplemental financial aid application.
Complete this form if Secondary Parent information is requested.
Link: 2026-2027 Secondary Parent Financial Aid Form
Lawrence will also accept the CSS Profile Household B in place of the Secondary Parent Financial Aid Form.
If you have no contact with your Secondary Parent, submit the waiver form.
Link: 2026-2027 Secondary Parent Form Waiver
Submit Requested Documents
If the Financial Aid Office requests supporting documents, use the secure upload link to submit them directly.
Apply for Financial Aid
Learn about and complete the financial aid application process. If you have questions before you begin, contact our support team.
Types of Aid
Lawrence financial aid may include scholarships, grants, loans, and student employment. Your financial aid offer will show the types of aid available to you and explain how each source applies to your cost.
Grants are based on demonstrated financial need and do not need to be repaid.
The dollar amount varies depending on your individual household circumstances. Grants are not automatically renewed at the same dollar level each year, but they will remain consistent with your demonstrated financial need.
Wisconsin residents may be eligible for a Wisconsin Tuition Grant. To be considered for this grant, complete the FAFSA each year by April 1.
Students from Vermont, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia may be eligible for state grant money to attend out-of-state colleges. Contact your state agency to determine eligibility for these awards.
By The Numbers
Student Loans
Student loans allow students and families to use future earning potential to help offset some present educational costs.
Federal Direct Loans are student loans from the federal government.
In the case of a need-based subsidized Stafford Loan, the government pays the interest on the loan while you are in school. Additional repayment benefits may apply after enrollment ends.
In the case of an unsubsidized loan, interest begins accruing immediately.
Link: Learn more about Federal Direct Loans
The Federal Parent PLUS Loan allows families to cover all or part of the remaining tuition balance.
The loan is in the parent’s name. To be approved for a PLUS Loan, a parent must not have adverse credit history.
Link: Learn more about the Federal Parent PLUS Loan
Private student loans allow families to cover all or part of the remaining tuition balance.
With a private student loan, the student is the borrower. Most students need a co-signer to be approved for a private student loan.
Link: Learn more about Private Student Loans
Federal Work-Study and Campus Employment
A wide array of on-campus positions are available each year. Students are paid directly every two weeks for the number of hours worked.
Students may use these earnings to pay outstanding balances on their account or for other incidental educational and personal expenses.
Pro Tip
Understanding Your Financial Aid
Your financial aid offer may include several types of aid. Learn what each source means, what needs to be repaid, and what steps to take after you receive your offer.
Quick Financial Aid Links
Need to submit documents to our office?
Use Secure File Upload.
Need to complete your FAFSA?
Use school code: 003856
Need help or have questions for us?
Speak to a counselor.
Office of Financial Aid
Campus Location
757 E. College Avenue, Appleton, WI 54911
Mailing Address
SPC 32, 711 East Boldt Way, Appleton, WI 54911
Hours
Academic Year:
Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm
Winter & Summer Break:
Monday – Friday, 8am – 4pm
Closed Mondays during the summer from 6/22-8/3