Applying for Federal Student Aid

The first step in applying for federal student aid is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ®).

The FAFSA is an application for all federal – and most state – student aid programs. The information reported on the FAFSA is used to determine federal student aid eligibility (including need-based aid, such as the Pell Grant and Federal Direct Subsidized Loans).
The FAFSA should be filed within two weeks of the application for admission and must be renewed each year. Prompt submission assures consideration for maximum available financial aid. For Federal and State aid deadlines, visit Federal Student Aid  https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.

Once the U.S. Department of Education (ED) transmits FAFSA information to the school, Chamberlain University will provide students with an award letter indicating the amount of financial aid for which they may be eligible and aid sources.

How do I apply for financial aid?

  • Make sure you and your contributor(s) have a FSA ID. Contributors who do not have Social Security Numbers can create an FSA ID. If you and your contributor(s) already have FSA IDs, there is no need to create new ones.
  • File your FAFSA form as soon as possible. Electronic submission will allow for faster processing. 
  • Be sure to indicate Chamberlain University as one of the schools where you want your information sent. Chamberlain’s school code is 006385. If you attend our Indianapolis campus or are an Indiana state resident enrolled in our RN to BSN program option, please include school code E02182 as your first school code (in addition to 006385).
  • Should you encounter errors, we encourage you to review the FAFSA Updates page and contact the U.S. Department of Education through their Contact Customer Support page or call 1-800-848-0978. 

The 2024-25 FAFSA is available

The newly simplified 2024-25 FAFSA is available to complete. The U.S. Department of Education projects the delivery of FAFSA information to colleges beginning in mid-March. While the U.S. Department of Education has pushed back its transmission timeline, our students can expect limited or no delay in financial aid disbursements for the 2024-25 award year.

FAFSA Simplification – What's changed for 2024-25?

  • The FAFSA Simplification Act simplified and streamlined the FAFSA application process.
  • Student Aid Index (SAI) will replace Expected Family Contribution (EFC) in determining aid eligibility.
  • Family size will be determined by reported tax information.
  • Federal tax information will be transferred by direct data exchange with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and consent will be required.
  • Spouses or stepparents may be required contributors.
  • For additional questions, please see our 2024-25 FAFSA Frequently Ask Questions document.

Quick links to FAFSA resources:

The 2023-24 FAFSA remains available

Students who attended Chamberlain before the May 2024 session, and are still attending, may be eligible for financial aid for the 2023-24 award year. If interested, please complete the 2023-24 FAFSA as soon as possible.

Note: Reinstated/readmitted students may be considered for financial aid if they meet all eligibility requirements.

Chamberlain complies with all applicable state and federal equal credit opportunity laws; however, Chamberlain cannot guarantee financial assistance or credit to any student.

FAFSA® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Education.