How do you compare financial aid awards?
Patricia McWade, Dean of Student Financial Services, Georgetown University
Get tips for making sense of the fine print and understanding your options.
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FAFSA | CSS Profile | ORSAA
If you are a U.S. Citizen or an eligible non-citizen, you will apply and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The Class of 2023 can complete the FAFSA on or after October 1, 2022.
If you are a U.S. Citizen or an eligible non-citizen, AND you plan to apply to a private college or university, you MAY be required to complete the College Scholarship System CSS Profile in addition to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The Class of 2023 can complete the CSS Profile on or after October 1, 2022.
If you are an Oregon Resident who has undocumented status, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA), and/or Temporary Protected Status (TPS), you will fill out the Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA). The Class of 2023 can complete the ORSAA on or after October 1, 2022.
Get Ready for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
If you plan to apply for financial aid, student and parent(s) together must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The Class of 2022 can complete the FAFSA on or after October 1, 2021. DO NOT COMPLETE the FAFSA before that time. Students who are applying for financial aid for the 2022-2023 School Year need to create an FSA ID. An FSAID is a username and password that gives you access to Federal Student Aid’s online system and will serve as your legal signature. FSAID Link
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on or after October 1, 2022. Please check the financial aid page of colleges you are applying to to determine any deadlines that affect your financial aid and scholarship opportunities. For instance, the University of Oregon's priority filing date is March 1, 2023.
What happens after you fill out the FAFSA?
Get Ready for the College Scholarship System (CSS) Profile
If you plan to apply to a private university/college and for financial aid, student and parent(s) must complete the College Scholarship System (CSS) Profile and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The CSS Profile is an online application used by colleges and scholarship programs to award institutional aid. For more information, please click here.
Get Ready for Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA)
By filing the ORSAA, eligible undocumented and DACA students in Oregon can get help paying for college: grants, scholarships, and tuition reduction. After you file the ORSAA, be sure to contact the financial aid office at your college to find out how to apply for the school's additional financial aid opportunities. For further information, please use the ORSAA link as well as the tip sheet (Hoja de consuejos de ORSAA en español).
Comparing Financial Aid Awards
Comparing your financial aid offers can be complicated, especially if your awards vary in the type and amount of aid given. Use the Compare Your Aid Awards tool to get a side-by-side comparison of your aid awards.
Review Each Aid Offer Carefully
The college that gives you the most aid may not have the best overall offer. Your aid amount may be higher because the costs are higher, because some costs are not included (such as room and board) or because the award is mostly loan-based. Choose the college that is the best fit for you and your family.
