When to Apply

Pay attention to deadlines when you apply for financial aid. (For information regarding applying for admission, see Application Plans and Guidelines.)

First-year students interested in federal financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. This form is required by the federal government to determine eligibility for federal student aid (Pell grants, Direct Loans, and federal work study). Tennessee residents must complete the FAFSA to be eligible for state awards such as Hope and TSAA. The FAFSA is now open for academic year 2025-2026. Families can complete the CSS Profile for early financial information and scholarship opportunities.  The CSS Profile is available all year long.

The 2025-2026 FAFSA is now open. Early Decision applicants must complete the CSS Profile (streamlined version) and the new FAFSA. Regular Decision applicants are NOT required to complete the CSS Profile (streamlined version) but must complete the new FAFSA when it becomes available. 

Your FAFSA should be electronically submitted by the dates indicated below. The Tennessee Student Assistance Award (for TN residents) has a FAFSA deadline of February 1 but may run out of funds before this date. All TN residents should file the FAFSA as soon as possible beginning no later than January 1 to qualify for the maximum funding opportunities.