FAFSA FAQs for New & Incoming Students

When should I complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA?

Plan ahead and give yourself enough time to complete the FAFSA. It is best to apply while you're also applying for admission. The 2025-2026 FAFSA is scheduled for release on December 1, 2024.

You may also need to complete the 2024-2025 FAFSA. This applies if you're starting school between September 1, 2024 and August 31, 2025.

Submit a ticket here on the Support Hub to confirm if you need to submit both financial aid applications. Please include your intended start term and year for the fastest answer.

Is there anything I can do to prepare in the meantime?

Yes! Students and at least one parent or the student’s spouse will need a Federal Student Aid ID. Create your FSA ID on the Federal Student Aid account creation page.

The key item needed for schools to receive your FAFSA is your Social Security Number (SSN). Give the Support Hub a call to confirm if we have it (617.349.8760). If you haven't provided Lesley with your SSN, you can do so by submitting the IRS Form W-9. The IRS Form W-9 is available for download on the IRS website. Once you've completed your W-9, submit it to us via our secure Financial Aid Dropbox.

Finally, get your documents ready! You'll need tax documents from prior years:

• For the 2024-2025 FAFSA: You'll need tax documents from the 2022 tax year.
• For the 2025-2026 FAFSA: You’ll need tax documents from the 2023 tax year.

The Federal Student Aid site has a list of information you might need to have on hand to complete the FAFSA. Click this link to view their recommendations!

I haven’t heard about my admission application. Should I wait to hear from Admissions before I complete the FAFSA?

You can complete the FAFSA at any time, even if you haven't received an admission decision. Once Admissions reviews your application, we'll start looking at your FAFSA.

I’ve completed my FAFSA, so when will I hear from Lesley about my financial aid?

We receive a large volume of applications on a regular, rolling basis. However, we aim for you to have your financial aid letter about 3-5 weeks after we get it from Federal Student Aid.

While you wait, make sure Financial Aid has everything they need for your application. You can check your application status on Self Service. Never logged into Self Service? Visit this tutorial page for instructions on how to activate your account.

Where can I find more information?

We've attached some helpful slideshows from our financial aid information sessions to this article. Please see below, and don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!