Application Process

Students seeking financial assistance at GW must first complete an online financial aid application. There are two online applications that are utilized by GW, the CSS Profile and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Both applications are available beginning October 1 for the following academic year.   The CSS Profile is required for new undergraduates and all international students seeking institutional financial assistance at GW. The FAFSA is required for new undergraduate, continuing undergraduates, and graduate students seeking federal financial assistance. Once a student has completed their online application(s), the data is transferred electronically to schools, based on the school code(s) included on the application. Student's planning on applying for financial assistance at GW should follow the steps outlined on How To Apply.

After we have received and uploaded a student’s application, we begin the process of reviewing and determining their financial aid eligibility. At this point we may request additional documentation to complete the application process.

Fall 2024 Update

The Department recently announced that the FAFSA application forms for the 2025-2026 academic year will be available on or before December 1, 2024 to provide more time to resolve system issues identified during the previous cycle. For more information, please visit https://studentaid.gov/.