Completing the FAFSA
Maximize your financial aid award by completing the FAFSA
Every Albion student receives a merit award of at least $26,000 that is renewable for four years. Each year, our students receive additional federal and state dollars totalling $10 million by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
What is next?
Get your FSA ID
Both the parent and student will need an FSA ID. Set up a FSA ID by creating an account at studentaid.gov.
Visit campus
All admitted students will automatically receive the Senior Visit scholarship ($2,000) as part of their acceptance packet and financial aid award if they visit within their senior year and it is renewable for all four years your student attends Albion College.
Filing your FAFSA
The FAFSA officially opens Sunday, Dec. 31 for the 2024-25 academic year. Submit your FAFSA by March 1 to receive priority consideration for all scholarships and grants. Go to studentaid.gov and make sure to include Albion College by using code 002235.
You will need your FSA ID.
How is need based financial aid determined?
Schools will use your FAFSA information to calculate any aid you are eligible for in addition to your student’s merit award. This can include, federal, state and institutional grants, federal loans and work study
The SAI (Student Aid Index) is subtracted from the Cost of Attendance, an estimation of your total expenses for the academic year, which includes the comprehensive fee and estimated costs for books and transportation. The final figure represents your maximum eligibility for need-based
Receiving your financial aid award notification
The financial aid offer will be a detailed breakdown of all of the aid your student qualified for. It will include your out-of-pocket expense to attend Albion
An electronic copy will be uploaded to your student’s Briton Bound account and a hard copy will be mailed to your home address
FAQ
We won’t qualify for anything. Do we need to file a FAFSA?
The Department of Education changed the FAFSA formula and guidelines this year. We have not seen any data yet, so we are not sure what to expect and encourage families to complete it at least their student’s first year. All schools have different costs to attend. You may qualify for additional aid but without a FAFSA will not be considered.
Our family situation has changed and the FAFSA isn’t accurate. What should we do?
We understand life changes happen. For the 2024-25 FAFSA, families will be using their 2022 tax information. If there has been a drastic change to household income or family situation please reach out directly to our office for assistance with next steps.
What other scholarships can my student apply for?
Most scholarships at Albion do not require an extra application, students are considered based on their admission application and FAFSA results. We encourage all students to apply for external scholarships. Oftentimes, there are a variety of scholarship opportunities available in your local community through the Chamber of Commerce and area foundations and businesses. All Community/External scholarships or other resources need to be reported to the Financial Aid Office. Our goal is to apply your outside scholarship(s) as favorably for you as possible.
See our scholarships page for resources to get started.
We are here to help every step of the way! Connect with Albion’s Office of Financial Aid with questions at 517-629-0440 or email at financialaid@albion.edu.