Continuing U.S. Students

Introduction

Let's Go

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

2024-25 FAFSA Updates

March 5, 2024 – Because of ongoing delays and challenges with the federal FAFSA form, all returning students must complete a 2024-25 CSS Profile to renew your aid for the upcoming academic year. If you have not done so already, please complete your 2024-25 CSS Profile and FAFSA forms as soon as possible.

How to Apply

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

Completing the 2024-25 CSS Profile application will:

  • enable us to send you an accurate Cornell Aid Estimate for the 2024-25 academic year as soon as possible,
  • enable you to finalize summer plans that may be dependent upon your 2024-25 Cornell Aid Estimate as soon as possible,
  • guard against any additional delays or challenges with the FAFSA form that are not yet known,
  • ensure your anticipated aid for the Fall 2024 semester is reflected on your July 2024 Bursar bill, and
  • ensure we are able to deliver your aid – from all sources – on-time in August of 2024.

Students/families with annual income up to $100,000 automatically qualify for a CSS Profile fee waiver when completing the application. If you do not qualify for a fee waiver and the College Board application fee represents a financial hardship or obstacle, please email finaid@cornell.edu and include “Continuing Student – CSS Profile fee waiver” in the subject line so we may provide you with a fee waiver code to use when completing the application.

* 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.

Submit the CSS Profile

Search for "Cornell University" or use code 2098, when prompted.

Application Priority Date:

  • March 1, 2024

Additional resources:

CSS Profile Frequently Asked Questions

  • U.S. students with family adjusted gross income up to $100,000 are automatically eligible for a CSS Profile fee waiver.  Eligibility for a fee waiver is confirmed in the CSS Profile application.
  • If your parents are divorced or separated, both of your biological/adoptive parents – your custodial parent and your noncustodial parent – are required to complete separate CSS Profile Applications. Learn more about completing the CSS Profile for noncustodial parents.

The 2024-25 FAFSA form is now available —

Apply at fafsa.gov

Application Priority Date:

  • March 1, 2024

FAFSA Status Alert: March 14, 2024 – Cornell recommends completing your 2024-25 FAFSA form as soon as possible. However, we are aware some families are experiencing difficulty or cannot complete the form currently. Please be assured, the priority date above is a recommendation, not a deadline. If you experience challenges with the FAFSA form, we will work with you to resolve any issues as soon as possible after we receive your FAFSA information and finalize configuration of our software systems, tentatively beginning mid-May.

Additional resources:

Getting Started, and How Federal Aid Works

What happens after your FAFSA form is processed?

How do I view my FAFSA Submission Summary?

  • If you are a New York resident: complete a New York State aid application at hesc.ny.gov – search for “Cornell University” or use codes 0174 for NYS contract colleges or 0175 for endowed colleges.

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).

All continuing students will receive an estimate of your expected family contribution, cost of attendance, and the financial aid you may be eligible for in the upcoming academic year.

  • Your personalized Cornell Aid Estimate is prepared using the information you submitted on your CSS Profile and current year cost of attendance information.
  • If your family financial circumstances have recently changed significantly, please use the appropriate appeal process.

After receiving your CSS Profile application and requested documentation, we will review your information carefully to confirm your expected family contribution, demonstrated need, and eligibility for financial aid.

  • Monitor your email carefully – we may request additional information or ask for clarification.
  • Respond promptly to all requests and continue to monitor your email carefully.
  • To learn more about how Cornell determines eligibility for financial aid, please see Financial Aid Eligibility.

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 CSS Profile application by March 1, 2024

Complete the FAFSA form, when possible.

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.