Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Filing the FAFSA is the best way to get scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study. It’s the most important step in paying for college. It's the first step you should take when applying for financial aid.

Start your FAFSA

Who can get financial aid?

To qualify for financial aid, you’ll need to meet these basic requirements:

  • Complete your FAFSA using NAU’s school code 001082.
  • Have earned your high school diploma or GED.
  • Be admitted to a degree-seeking program.
  • Be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen.
  • Not be in default on previous loans or owe refunds on grants.
  • Submit any documents requested.
  • Stay in good academic standing (Satisfactory Academic Progress).

File your FAFSA

The FAFSA opens October 1 each year. File early to maximize your aid. You don’t have to be admitted to NAU first, but you do need to use our school code: 001082.

NAU’s preferred filing date: April 15

We will continue to award beyond this date as funds are available.

Filing your FAFSA will be something you do each year to renew your eligibility, not only when you apply for college.

Note: Undocumented students who are ineligible to complete the FAFSA can complete the CSS profile using NAU school code 4006.

Complete your FAFSA form

Loan options

After you file your FAFSA, you might see federal and/or private loan options in your LOUIE account. These can help cover what grants and scholarships don’t. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Federal direct student loans

Direct loans are the most common student loans and are offered to undergrads. They come with fixed interest rates and flexible repayment options.

Federal PLUS loans

PLUS loans are for federal student loans that parents of undergraduate students may apply for. PLUS loan approval is credit-based.

Graduate students may be eligible for PLUS loans if they qualify for Legacy Provisions. Review the One Big Beautiful Bill Act page for more information.

Private loans

Private loans come from banks or credit unions, not the federal government. They usually have higher interest rates and fewer repayment options, so consider federal loans first.

Federal nursing loans

NAU nursing students may qualify for limited, low-interest federal nursing loans specific to nursing programs. Check with the Maria and Steve Sanghi College of Nursing for availability.

Still have questions? We are here to help!

Incoming students: Contact Admissions at admissions@nau.edu or 928-523-5511.

Continuing students: Contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid (OSFA) at financial.aid@nau.edu or 928-523-4951.