Applying for Financial Aid at Earlham

Helpful Hints for Completing our Aid Application Process

• Obtain the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) from your high school guidance office or complete the FAFSA on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The paper form is usually available by December of your senior year in high school. If your high school cannot provide the FAFSA, call 1-800-EARLHAM to request one. FAFSA on the web is not available until after January 1. Aid applicants are urged to complete their FAFSA on the Web.

• For priority consideration for Earlham-funded aid for all applicants, the FAFSA must be postmarked or received by the federal processor on-line by March 1.

• For Indiana State Grants (Indiana residents), the FAFSA must be received by the federal processor by March 10.

• Carefully read the FAFSA instructions. They will help you avoid errors.

• Try to have your Federal Income Tax Return(s) completed prior to starting the FAFSA. If you cannot complete your tax return(s) prior to March 1, use estimated income and tax figures. You can correct estimated figures at a later time.

• Students whose parents are divorced or separated should carefully read the FAFSA instructions concerning who should complete the FAFSA. Generally, the parent with whom the student lived with the most during the preceding 12 months should complete the FAFSA. If that parent has re-married, their spouse's information must also be reported on the FAFSA.

• Carefully complete the Earlham College Financial Aid Application if you are applying for need-based financial help. Send this form directly to the Earlham Financial Aid Office. Remember the March 1st post-mark date for priority consideration for financial assistance.

• Keep extra copies of your tax return(s), W-2(s), 1099(s) and other tax documents. We may request them to verify and correct the data you reported on the FAFSA.

The Earlham Application for Financial Aid is included in your Earlham Admissions materials. The Aid Application has more detailed information for completing the process, so be sure to read all aid application materials.