| A | B | C | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | University | Policy Type | FAFSA Priority Deadline | Notes (Why they want the FAFSA) |
2 | UNLV | Required | November 15 | FAFSA (or "Alternate Need Form") is a required step for priority consideration for most institutional scholarships. |
3 | Fordham University | Required (for disbursement) | February 1 | While merit awards are based on the admission application, Fordham requires the FAFSA (and CSS Profile) for the scholarship funds to be disbursed. |
4 | Boston College | Required for Max. Aid | January 15 | While BC states its main scholarships are need-based, it requires the FAFSA and CSS Profile to be considered for any institutional aid, which is essential for building a full package. |
5 | Virginia Tech | Required for Max. Aid | January 22 | Required for "USFA-Administered Scholarships." To be considered for the "maximum" aid package, you must submit both the FAFSA and the General Scholarship Application. |
6 | New York University (NYU) | Required for Max. Aid | February 15 | Merit-based scholarships are automatic. However, to be considered for any institutional need-based aid (which NYU packages with merit awards), you must file the CSS Profile. The FAFSA is also needed for federal aid. |
7 | Univ. of Southern Cal. (USC) | Required for Max. Aid | February 15 | Merit scholarships are considered via the admission application, but you must file the FAFSA and CSS Profile to be considered for any additional institutional aid (like the USC Grant). |
8 | University of Michigan | Required for Max. Aid | March 15 | To be considered for the fullest range of U-M grants and scholarships (which can be combined with merit aid), you must complete both the FAFSA and the CSS Profile. |
9 | GA Tech | Required for State Aid | January 31 | Not required for institutional merit aid, but is required (or GSFAPPS) for GA residents to receive the state's merit-based HOPE/Zell Miller Scholarships. |
10 | Penn State | Strongly Recommended | December 1 | This is the "recommended" FAFSA submission date for first-year students to get priority consideration for all aid. |
11 | Syracuse University | Strongly Recommended | February 1 | Merit scholarships are automatic, but the FAFSA and CSS Profile are required to be considered for any additional institutional aid to be packaged with your merit award. |
12 | The Ohio State Univ. | Strongly Recommended | February 15 | This is the priority deadline to file the FAFSA to be considered for the "widest range" of aid and scholarships (via their ScholarshipUniverse portal). |
13 | Morehouse College | Strongly Recommended | March 1 | This is the priority FAFSA deadline. It's encouraged to "maximize available scholarship opportunities," as some institutional awards require it. |
14 | this was created 10/2025 and things change often - Always confirm this information with each college. |