Continuing U.S. Students

Introduction

Let's Go

Applying for aid is an annual task. Complete your aid application as soon as possible.

How to Apply

To renew your Cornell Aid Offer each academic year, all returning U.S. students* must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

  • We strive to keep your expected family contribution and Cornell Aid Offer consistent from year-to-year. The information you provide on your FAFSA is used to evaluate changes to your annual family income and assets.
  • Do not submit a CSS Profile unless:
    • you are prompted to do so by the Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment.
    • your family size or circumstances have changed (examples: parents’ divorce, or death in the family).
    • your financial circumstances have changed significantly, and you intend to submit a financial aid appeal (example: recent job loss or change resulting in significantly lower annual income).

* Returning U.S. students who are undocumented (with or without DACA status) and international students follow a process that is different than U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens. For more information please visit our continuing international or undocumented students page.

Application will open by December 31, 2023 — Apply at fafsa.gov

Application Priority Date:

  • March 1, 2024

Additional resources:

Getting Started, and How Federal Aid Works

After receiving your FAFSA application, if your family financial circumstances have changed significantly, you may be prompted to submit additional documentation or complete a CSS Profile. Requests are initiated by Cornell, via the College Board's Institutional Documentation Service (IDOC):

If you receive an IDOC request:

  • Upload signed copies of requested documents via your IDOC Student Dashboard.
  • Avoid uploading documents that have not been requested - unnecessary submissions slow application review.
  • Have questions? We're here to help!  Contact us via email at finaid@cornell.edu to expedite your inquiry (include your name and Cornell admissions ID number).

Official Cornell Aid Offers will be released as soon as possible in the Spring (tentatively, late-May), after 2024-25 tuition, fees, housing and dining rates are confirmed.

  • Your official Cornell Aid Offer includes your confirmed expected family contribution, updated cost of attendance, and the financial aid you are eligible for in the upcoming academic year.
  • If your financial circumstances have changed significantly, please use the appropriate appeal process, after receiving your official Cornell Aid Offer
  • Have questions? We're here to help! - Please contact us via email at finaid@cornell.edu to expedite your inquiry (include your name and Cornell admissions ID number) or request an appointment with a Cornell Financial Aid Counselor.

Try Cornell's Financial Aid Calculators

Financial Aid Calculator

Financial Aid Application Priority Dates

Complete your financial aid application as soon as possible each year and respond to all requests for documentation promptly to ensure your official Cornell Aid Offer is available as soon as possible.

For the 2024-25 Academic Year:

Complete the 2024-25 FAFSA as soon as possible (application opens December 2023), but no later than...

  • March 1, 2024

Tax Information for U.S. Students

Grant and scholarship aid that exceeds “qualified education expenses” (tuition and mandatory fees) is considered taxable income by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). You will receive a 1098-T form each year for use in preparing your tax return. Cornell cannot provide individual tax advice; please contact your personal tax advisor with any questions or concerns.