The first step in the financial aid process is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). By completing the FAFSA by our priority deadline, you are applying for all need-based financial aid including grants, scholarships, loans, and federal work-study.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available to complete online. The online version is the fastest way to apply for financial aid. If you prefer, you may fill out a paper FAFSA by requesting the form from Federal Student Aid, call 1-800-433-3243. To receive consideration for all federal and state funds and need-based scholarships, submit the FAFSA directly to the Federal Student Aid Programs. Miami's priority deadline to file the FAFSA for new first-year students is February 15. For returning students and new transfer students filing the FAFSA, Miami's priority deadline is March 15. Miami's Federal School Code is 003077. See Tips for Completing the FAFSA and the Financial Aid Timeline for a quick overview.

The federal processor calculates your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) using the information you provided on the FAFSA and a congressionally mandated formula called Federal Methodology. The Expected Family Contribution measures your family's ability to contribute to educational costs, but is not necessarily what you will be asked to pay. We estimate your cost to attend Miami University based on the campus you will attend, your housing plan, and your enrollment status. Cost of Attendance (COA) includes tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, personal expenses, and transportation. Your eligibility for need-based aid is calculated by this formula: Cost of Attendance (COA) minus your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) equals your Financial Need.

COA - EFC = FINANCIAL NEED

Miami recommends that all applicants submit the FAFSA, regardless of their financial need as our standards for determining need are much more generous. The FAFSA must be completed each year. IMPORTANT Miami's FAFSA filing deadlines: New First Year Students - February 15 Returning Students and Transfer Students - March 15

In late March, first-year applicants who filed the FAFSA by February 15 will receive their financial aid package. Miami uses the information from the FAFSA to award your financial aid. Your financial aid package may be a combination of scholarships, grants, loans, and federal work-study.

Returning students must complete a FAFSA each year by March 15 to be considered for all available financial aid. Apply online.

Note: There is no charge to file the FAFSA with the U.S. Department of Education, it is a free application. Be wary of any organization that charges a fee for this service, some are legitmate and some are scams. The official website to submit a FAFSA with the U.S. Department of Education is www.fafsa.gov not FAFSA.com.

To obtain an early estimate of eligibility for federal student aid.

Student information provided by the U.S. Department of Education about going to college (why to go, how to go, and how to pay). www.college.gov

Click the image below to view the 2008-2009 Financing Your Miami Education brochure. (PDF format - 17 MB)