July 08, 2021

Admissions Question: July 8

Q: How does the financial aid process work for incoming first years?

Q: How does the financial aid process work for incoming first year students?

A: Applicants must first complete the Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA) by the priority filing deadline of February 15th. The Financial Aid Office at Lewis & Clark begins releasing financial aid awards in early March. Every effort is made to provide students who complete the FAFSA by our priority deadline with their financial aid notification before a decision about enrolling must be made. Aid applications completed after the February 15th priority deadline will be reviewed in the order they are received. 

Loans: Students interested in loans need to apply for financial aid as early as possible and should not wait for an admissions decision to begin the financial aid application. As soon as a person is admitted, the Financial Aid Office is notified; if the student’s financial aid file is complete, their award is prepared shortly thereafter. Thus, it is important to have the financial aid file completed at the same time as the admission file.

Scholarships: We award scholarships at the time we make the admission decision. If a scholarship was awarded, that will be noted in your letter of admission. The rest of the financial aid package, which includes student loans, is determined by the Financial Aid Office. That award is sent separately, but should include any scholarships you were awarded at admission. Please read through the Financial Aid Guide to learn how to accept your financial aid and receive student loans.