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 available starting October 1st. For the for the 2023-24 FAFSA, parents will use their 2021 income tax information. Starting October 1, 2022, students and parents can utilize the myStudentAid app for iOS and Android phones.

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.  

Application Deadline and Notification Dates for Financial Aid

Admissions Status Financial Application Deadline (FAFSA) Financial Aid Notification
Early Decision I Nov 1 Nov 15
Early Action Nov 15 Jan 15
Early Decision II Jan 15 or at application, if earlier 2 weeks of completion
Regular Decision Jan 15 March 9

Financial Aid Applications

  • FAFSA (Rhodes Title IV code: 003519)

Download Forms
All Financial Aid forms can be found through Rhodes Express. This includes links to the FAFSA, Special Circumstances Form, and Noncustodial Parent Waiver.

If you have any questions about the use or completion of these forms, please contact your counselor.