The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is used by Bates to calculate eligibility for federal financial aid and is required for all U.S. citizens and Permanent Residents. We are aware that challenges in completing the application persist for some applicants and are closely following updates from the Department of Education with regard to the delivery of FAFSA data to colleges and universities.
If you have not completed the FAFSA, we encourage you to do so as soon as possible. We are hoping to be able to acknowledge receipt of your FAFSA form in May.
How is the FAFSA Used by Bates?
At Bates, the FAFSA is used solely to determine eligibility for federal financial aid (grants, loans and student employment.) It is not used to calculate eligibility for need-based institutional grant aid.
I’m planning to apply through Early Decision. Should I wait until the FAFSA is available to submit my financial aid application?
No, you should submit the CSS Profile (available October 1) and provide requested tax documentation by the applicable deadline – November 15 for Early Decision 1, and January 10 for Early Decision 2 and Regular Decision. The FAFSA can be completed when it becomes available.
Will Bates be able to determine my eligibility for financial aid without the FAFSA?
Yes, we will be able to calculate eligibility for institutional need-based aid using the CSS Profile and tax documentation. We will still require the FAFSA to be completed when it becomes available, but we will use it only to calculate eligibility for federal aid.
Will the changes to the FAFSA impact my eligibility for Bates financial aid? I’ve heard that the FAFSA no longer considers siblings in college.
While the formula used to calculate eligibility for federal aid has changed for 2024-25, this will have no impact on the way in which Bates calculates eligibility for need-based institutional aid. Bates will continue to use its institutional need formula (which recognizes sibling undergraduate enrollment) to calculate financial aid eligibility.
How can I estimate my financial aid eligibility?
Domestic students can use the MyinTuition College Cost Estimator or the Bates Net Price Calculator to estimate costs and see potential financial aid eligibility.
Additional Resources: