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 CSS Profile. All U.S. students must also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
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.
Financial Aid Application Priority Dates
Complete the 2025-26 CSS Profile as soon as possible after October 1, 2024, but no later than January 15, 2025.
Complete the FAFSA form as soon as possible after December 1, 2024.
Please respond promptly to all requests for documentation to ensure your preliminary Cornell Aid Estimate and official Cornell Aid Offers are available prior to your admissions deposit deadline.
Search for "Cornell University" or use code 2098, when prompted.
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 2025-26 FAFSA form opens December 1, 2024.
Search for "Cornell University" or use code 002711 when prompted.
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
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.