Our Blog

By: Sarah Gill, Financial Aid

FILE YOUR FAFSA BY FEBRUARY 1!

Whether you’re the parent of a returning student or the parent of a prospective student, we hope that you’re taking the time to visit http://www.fafsa.ed.gov to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Gonzaga’s FAFSA priority date is February 1st! Here are some FAQs for filling out this form:

Q: Do I have to fill out the FAFSA?

A: If you would like to receive any type of federal or state funding, you must fill out the FAFSA. If you are an incoming student and you fail to fill out the FAFSA, you will not be awarded a Gonzaga Grant. This grant is based on student need and student merit. If we are unable to assess student need we will not award students this additional money.

Q: Do I have to complete my 2014 taxes before filing the FAFSA?

A: No! The FAFSA is one of the few federal forms where it is okay to provide estimates. We know that the 2015-2016 FAFSA will be requesting information about your 2014 taxes and they most likely won’t be completed in January. Please fill out and submit the FAFSA before February 1st, even if your taxes are not complete. You will be able to make updates later, after you’ve filed your taxes.

Q: Is February 1st the FAFSA deadline for every school?

A: No, priority deadlines vary from school to school. We suggest you check with each individual school for their priority dates.

Q: What if there is a change in our family or financial situation after we file the FAFSA? Can it be changed to give my son or daughter more financial aid?

A: If your family is experiencing a change in household or financial situation, you may submit a Special Conditions Appeal form to determine your aid eligibility after you have received your financial aid package from Gonzaga. This form and more information are available on the Financial Aid page of the Gonzaga website.

If you have more questions, or you simply need some assistance filling out the FAFSA, please call the Financial Aid Office at 1 (800) 793-1716, or email finaid@gonzaga.edu. Gonzaga’s financial aid website may also provide some clarifying information.

APPLY FOR 2015 SUMMER FINANCIAL AID!

The application for current students interested in financial aid for summer 2015 (including work study) is available January 20th. The application is on Gonzaga’s online student portal, Zagweb. Students will need to log in to Zagweb, and navigate to the Financial Aid award section to complete the “Summer Financial Aid Application.” If they have questions, contact our Financial Aid Counselors at 1 (800) 793-1716.

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