How to Apply:

All first-time undergraduate students seeking Cornell grant or scholarship aid must complete the CSS Profile. All U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens must also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

1. Complete the CSS Profile (all students) -
   • Getting Started, Instructions, and Fee Waivers
   • Search for "Cornell University" or use code 2098 when prompted
   • Additional resources for international applicants and noncustodial parents
2. Complete the FAFSA (U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens only) -
   • Getting Started, and How Federal Aid Works
   • Search for "Cornell University" or use code 002711 when prompted
   • Transfer your IRS tax information securely into your FAFSA when prompted
   • If you are a New York resident - complete the NYS aid application when prompted - search for "Cornell University" or use codes 0174 for NYS contract colleges or 0175 for endowed colleges
   • If you are an eligible noncitizen - learn more about aid opportunities from the U.S. Government and New York State
3. Application Confirmation -
   • The College Board (CSS Profile), the U.S. Department of Education (FAFSA), and/or the New York Higher Education Services Corporation (NYS Aid Application)  confirm receipt of your application(s) by email
   • Cornell will also confirm receipt of your application(s) by email
4. Application Review -
   • After receiving your aid application(s), Cornell may request additional forms or documentation if required or to clarify information on your application. Requests are initiated by Cornell, via the College Board's Institutional Documentation Service (IDOC)
     • If you receive a request, please log into your IDOC Student Dashboard and upload signed copies of requested documents as soon as possible
     • Please avoid uploading documents that have not been requested - unnecessary submissions may slow application review
     • If you do not receive a request for additional documentation, Cornell has enough information to provide an estimated financial aid offer - no additional action is needed
   • If your financial circumstances have changed, please use the appropriate appeal process, after receiving your initial aid offer
   • Have questions about documentation requirements? We're here to help! Please review the IDOC FAQ for answers to common questions about submitting requested documents or contact us via email at finaid@cornell.edu to expedite your inquiry (include your name and student ID number)
5. Review your estimated Cornell Aid Offer -
   • Your estimated aid offer will be available as soon as possible after admission decisions are released, if you have successfully submitted your aid application(s) by the priority date
   • If your financial circumstances have changed, please use the appropriate appeal process, after receiving your initial aid offer.

For more information about how Cornell determines eligibility for aid, please see Financial Aid Eligibility.

Financial Aid Application Priority Dates:

Please complete your financial aid applications and respond to all requests for documentation by the applicable priority date to ensure your Cornell aid offer will be available as quickly as possible, and to ensure you have the cost and aid information you need prior to your admissions deposit deadline.

• Complete both 2022-23 FAFSA and CSS Profile as soon as possible (applications open October 1, 2021), but no later than October 15, 2022

• Complete both 2023-24 FAFSA and CSS Profile as soon as possible (applications open October 1, 2022), but no later than...
  • Early Decision: November 21, 2022
  • Regular Decision: February 15, 2023
  • Transfer: March 15, 2023