How to File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
When applying to the University, you'll want to make sure you take all of the necessary steps to ensure that you're considered for as much financial aid as possible. This quick breakdown explains how to maximize your eligibility for Drexel need-based grant funding, as well as federal and state grants and loans.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the application used to determine your eligibility for federal and state financial aid. U.S. citizens and permanent residents should complete a FAFSA each year they are enrolled at least part-time at Drexel.
Tips for Completing the FAFSA
- The FAFSA is completed online.
- The FAFSA will be based upon your family's financial information from two years prior (i.e., the 2025–2026 FAFSA will use 2023 tax year information).
- Housing or private housing (i.e., you are not billed for rent via Drexel) make sure you select "Off-Campus".
- You (and your contributor(s), if you are a dependent student) will need to create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID in order to complete and sign the FAFSA.
- It is important to complete the FAFSA by Drexel's priority deadline in order to be considered for all types of financial aid.
- Drexel's Federal School code for completing the FAFSA is 003256.
- If you have any questions, you can contact a FAFSA customer service representative at 1.800.4.FED.AID (1.800.433.3243).
FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS)
The Department of Education typically takes 3–5 business days to fully process your FAFSA once you have submitted a complete application. Once your FAFSA is fully processed, you will receive a FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS) that will include the information you provided on your FAFSA. If there are any errors or issues that you need to resolve, you will need to follow the instructions listed on the FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS) to correct them. Your FSS (formerly SAR) will also include your Student Aid Index (SAI).
The information that is reported on your FSS is also sent to the schools you listed on your FAFSA. Typically, Drexel University should receive your FAFSA data approximately 2–3 days after you receive your FSS.
Priority Deadlines
In order to be considered for most types of financial aid programs, domestic students should complete the FAFSA by the priority deadlines listed below:
| Deadline | |
|---|---|
| Early Action, Early Decision, and Regular Decision First-Year Applicants | February 15 |
| Winter Entry Program Applicants | October 9 |
| Transfer Applicants | One month prior to start of term (recommended) |
| New Graduate Applicants | March 1 |
| Continuing Students | March 1 |