How do I apply for financial aid from Lafayette?
You must file the College Scholarship Service (CSS) PROFILE by Jan. 15 and the FAFSA by Feb. 15 of your senior year in high school. You may file the PROFILE as early as Oct. 1. For detailed information, see Apply For Financial Aid. Remember, you must meet our filing deadlines in order to be considered for College-funded aid.
How do I accept, decline or check the status of my award?
After June 1, you can accept, decline, or check the status of your award online using My Lafayette, the College portal.
Where do I get the forms?
Should I postpone applying for aid until I complete my tax return?
No! You and your parents should use your best estimates for current year income. Financial aid office staff will update information on both the PROFILE and FAFSA when you complete your federal income tax returns and submit signed copies to the College Board through IDOC.
Should I send my tax returns to Lafayette?
You must send all required tax documents through the College Board’s IDOC service. Instructions and requirements will be provided once you file the PROFILE.
What if I decide to apply Early Decision?
Lafayette College guarantees to meet the demonstrated financial need of students admitted under the Early Decision Plan who adhere to the financial aid deadlines and requirements. Early Decision I applicants must submit the PROFILE and FAFSA by Nov. 15. Early Decision II by Jan. 15
How do I complete the forms if my parents are divorced or separated?
The PROFILE and the FAFSA must be completed with information from your custodial parent or the parent with whom you live most of the year. If your family unit includes a stepparent, then that information should also be included on the PROFILE and FAFSA. A Noncustodial PROFILE must be filed by the noncustodial parent and his/her spouse. Rest assured that a contribution is not expected from more than two parents.
When will I be notified about my financial aid?
Award letters for all on-time applicants are mailed along with the admissions letter. The letter will reference your financial aid award including any eligibility for federal and/or state loan and grant programs. Information about our program, the continuing process as well as common questions will be included in the packet that you receive with the award letter.
What is Lafayette’s outside scholarship policy?
Lafayette encourages and rewards students for seeking outside funding to help meet their college expenses. Outside scholarships may be used to reduce or eliminate the job and/or loan components included in the student’s aid award. Grants and/or scholarships from the College will be reduced only when total resources exceed our total costs of attendance. Tuition benefits, Tuition Exchange, Resident Adviser benefits, and federal and state grants are not considered outside scholarships. Student athletes are subject to NCAA and Patriot League guidelines.
Do you offer scholarships based on academic merit?
The Marquis Fellowship is awarded to the most highly qualified candidates in the applicant pool. Valued at $40,000 per year, it is renewable for all four years of full-time undergraduate study at Lafayette. The Marquis Scholarship, valued at $24,000 per year recognizes those among the best in the applicant pool. Scholars and Fellows also receive a scholarship of up to $4,000 for one faculty-led, off-campus course during an interim session (cannot be applied to Lehigh Valley Association of Independent Colleges study-abroad programs). Renewal is contingent upon the maintenance of a 3.00 GPA or higher. Selection is made by the admissions office in mid March. Recipients of these academic merit awards may also receive additional financial aid up to demonstrated need beyond the scholarship levels as long as all filing deadlines are met.
Will I qualify for financial aid if my parents’ income is high?
There is no automatic cutoff for financial aid eligibility since the analysis goes beyond income and asset information. Other factors that are considered include number of family members, college students, medical/dental expenses, home mortgages, and any other special circumstances that are individual to your family. Typically, the higher your parents’ income, the lower the need level. You might want to try our on line calculator to estimate what you might qualify for.
Do I have to reapply for financial aid each year?
Yes, you must reapply each year for need-based aid. Your file will be reviewed by an aid director who will consider all information included in your application, as well as our costs for the year. As a returning student, you will need to complete a renewal FAFSA and the PROFILE and submit tax documents through IDOC. Forms are due by March 1.
How will aid be determined after the first year?
Lafayette is committed to assisting you with your educational costs for the full four years. You must continue to make satisfactory academic progress, apply by the established deadlines, and continue to demonstrate need. Need is derived on the same basis as your original award. Each year’s award will reflect any increases in Lafayette costs, and any significant changes in family circumstances, including the number of siblings in college may result in a change (better or worse) in your financial aid award.
What happens if I don’t qualify for financial aid my first year?
Once the financial aid office has honored aid commitments to prior recipients, all new applicants will be reviewed in order to determine financial need. Aid consideration is limited to U.S. citizens and permanent residents and is based on applicants meeting our filing deadlines, demonstrating need, availability of funds, and each student’s grade point average, so it is important to maintain strong academic standing.
Can I meet with a financial aid director?
The Office of Financial Aid offers both personal and phone appointments. Call 610.330.5055 to request an appointment. If you choose a phone appointment, the time will be reserved for you just as if you were coming in personally. This method allows the director to have your information available and ensures no interruptions. You may also contact us via email at financialaid@lafayette.edu.