Financial Aid Checklist

Follow these steps to apply for federal student aid:

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.ed.gov. Include the Case Western Reserve University FAFSA code: 003137.
• Sign the FAFSA electronically using your Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID. You can create an FSA ID on the Federal Student Aid website, or when logging into the FAFSA. 
• If you wish to receive the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, complete Entrance Counseling and electronically sign the Loan Agreement Master Promissory Note (MPN) at StudentLoans.gov.
  • Both the Entrance Counseling and MPN must be completed in order for funds to be disbursed to your student account.
  • In addition to the FAFSA, you must submit the CWRU Financial Aid Form, available from the My Financial Aid Portal. You must have an active CWRU Network ID to use this system.
• If you have previously borrowed federal student loans, be sure to update your lender(s) with contact information and enrollment status (for loan deferment purposes). Loan servicer contact information can be found on the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). 
• Evaluate your need for additional funding such as the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan through the Department of Education, or private education loans through various lenders of your choice. Note: The Direct Graduate PLUS Loan is credit-based. Please visit Student.Aid.ed.gov for detailed information regarding PLUS loan credit requirements.
  • Prior to borrowing through the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan program, you may need to review your credit reports for potential issues.
  • The Graduate PLUS Loan credit decision expires within 180 days from applying.
  • Once you have made the decision to apply for the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan, complete the Direct PLUS loan request.
  • If approved for the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan, complete a separate Loan Agreement (MPN) for this loan.
  • If declined for the Direct Graduate PLUS Loan, you can re-apply with a co-signer (endorser) or appeal the denial through the Department of Education.
• For more detailed information on Federal Student Aid Programs, visit StudentAid.ed.gov.