How to Apply for Financial Aid at Lehigh: Your Step-by-Step Guide
We encourage all Lehigh applicants to file for financial aid, no matter your family’s financial circumstances. Be sure to be as thorough as possible when completing the necessary forms so you provide a complete picture of your family’s financial circumstances. If all of the required paperwork is submitted and complete by the given deadlines (see table below), a student’s calculated financial need may be met with a combination of self-help (federal and institutional loans) and gift-aid (grants and scholarships), based on the availability of funds.
Our financial aid process was designed to ensure that a Lehigh education is accessible to everyone — regardless of financial circumstances — and we’re here to help you along the way. To apply for financial aid, you will need to complete the following steps:
- Complete the 2010-2011 College Scholarship Service (CSS) Financial Aid PROFILE application. You can register for this service and complete the form electronically after October 1. Students who successfully submit their application can access their CSS/ PROFILE acknowledgement on the Web site. Carefully review any message codes from your schools to ensure that you have completed all application requirements. Check out our IMPORTANT DEADLINES table below for appropriate times to file the CSS/PROFILE. A fee of $25 is charged for the first school and $16 for each additional school. (Fees will be waived for families with low incomes. A waiver is issued during the registration process.) Lehigh’s code is: 2365
- Complete the 2010-2011 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) - it will not be available until January 1. To complete this form, go online to www.fafsa.ed.gov. Lehigh’s code is: 003289.
- Submit your federal tax returns (both parents’ and student’s) for tax year 2009, directly to the Office of Financial Aid by the mid-February deadline (NOTE: this may be earlier than you usually file your tax returns, but is required in order to be eligible for aid.) Tax returns must be signed to be acceptable for verification purposes. Also, be certain to attach all schedules filed with the IRS as well as a copy of each W-2.
- Be sure to check if any supplemental applications are required for state grants or scholarships. In addition, be aware that additional forms may be required for special circumstances such as separation/divorce or self-employment.
- Additional forms such as the Business/Farm Supplement or the Noncustodial Parent’s Statement may be required.
View all Financial Aid forms >
IMPORTANT DEADLINES
Missing deadlines could make you ineligible for aid. Applicants wishing to be considered for financial aid should file by the deadline noted. Do not wait until you are offered admission to apply for aid.
| Applicant Type |
Deadline to file CSS/PROFILE Application |
Deadline to file FAFSA |
Deadline to file 2009 IRS 1040 with Lehigh |
Financial Aid Decision Letters Sent (with admissions decisions) |
| Early Decision I* |
November 15 |
February 1 |
February 15 |
mid-December |
| Early Decision II* |
January 15 |
February 1 |
February 15 |
mid-February |
| Regular Decision |
February 1 |
February 1 |
February 15 |
late March |
| Transfer Application |
March 1 |
February 1 |
March 1 |
mid-May |
*Note: Early Decision I candidates must send a copy of 2008 IRS 1040 forms, schedules, and W-2 attachments by November 15. Early Decision II candidates must send a copy of 2009 IRS 1040 forms, schedules, and W-2 attachments by January 15.
** Note: Upperclass continuing students will also need to complete and submit a Lehigh University Undergraduate Aid Application, in addition to the CSS, FAFSA and any needed supplemental documents, e.g., the non-custodial parent’s statement and federal tax returns (e.g., in the event of a separation/divorce), or the business/farm supplement and corporate tax returns (for self-employed parents) by April 15.
FORMS