Apply for Aid
We encourage all students and potential students to apply for financial aid. You should file as early as you can to maximize your potential aid opportunities.
The timeline for applying for financial aid varies by the type of student. You will need to reapply for financial aid every year.
Apply Using the FAFSA
If you are a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, or eligible non-citizen, you will need to complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Filing your FAFSA is the only way to qualify for federal and state grant program, federal direct loan including Parent Plus loans and Grad Plus loans, and is require for some Alma College Scholarship Programs*.
Gather Your Materials
You’ll need the following to complete a FAFSA form:
- Social Security and driver’s license numbers for you and your parent(s)/guardian(s). If you are considered an independent student, no parental information is necessary.
- Your tax return or W-2 (or other records of income) from two years prior. For the 2020-21 academic year, you will use your 2019 return and for the 2022-23 academic year, you will use your 2020 return. If available in the FASFA, use the IRS data retrieval tool (DRT), to automatically import your tax return information.
- Account statements for all investment assets and bank statements, such as stocks, bonds, business assets, etc.
- Records of untaxed income, such as child support and interest income.
Apply for a FSA ID (if you do not already have one)
The FSA ID (account username and password) allows students and parents to identify themselves electronically to access Federal Student Aid websites. While you aren’t required to have an FSA ID to complete and submit a FAFSA form, it’s the fastest way to sign your application and have it processed. It’s also the only way to access or correct your information online or to prefill an online FAFSA form with information from your previous year’s FAFSA form.;Parents and students require separate FSA IDs.
Submit Your FAFSA
Submit your FAFSA between October 1 and May 1 for priority consideration for the upcoming academic year. Enter Alma’s Federal School Code 002236 to ensure we receive your information. Be sure to file by March 1 in order to be considered for priority aid through the state of Michigan.
Make Corrections, if Needed
After filing your application, you will receive an email notification with a link to your Federal Student Aid Report. Review the information carefully and follow the instructions if you need to make any corrections or are chosen for verification.
Promptly respond to any document requests from our office.
Your financial aid cannot be finalized until all requested documents are received. You can securely submit files to our office using the Secure Document Uplaoder. Please monitor your email as this is how we will communicate with you regarding documents needed.
Information regarding missing items can be found in your student portal as well. Please refer to our verification page for additional details on completing this process.
Follow the Appropriate Process
To ensure you receive the maximum consideration for scholarships and financial aid
First Year Students |
Complete any applications or auditions that may be required for performance or interest-based awards. Your admissions representative can assist you with these processes or with any questions. Research and apply for outside scholarships starting in November prior to the upcoming academic year. Typically, organizations complete their awarding in February/March for the upcoming year. Once you receive your offer letter please complete next steps to Receive Your Aid. Financial Aid Offer Letters will be sent through the mail starting in early December and continue on a rolling basis as students complete all of their requirements and scholarship decisions are finalized. |
Transfer Students |
Complete any applications or auditions that may be required for performance or interest-based awards. Your admissions representative can assist you with these processes or with any questions. Submit copy of transcripts Research and apply for outside scholarships starting in November prior to the upcoming academic year. Typically, organizations complete their awarding in February/March for the upcoming year. Once you receive your offer letter please complete next steps to Receive Your Aid. Financial Aid Offer Letters will be sent through the mail starting in early December and continue on a rolling basis as students complete all of their requirements and scholarship decisions are finalized. |
Current Students |
Research and apply for outside scholarships starting in November prior to the upcoming academic year. Typically, organizations complete their awarding in February/March for the upcoming year. Once you receive your offer letter please complete next steps to Receive Your Aid. Financial Aid Offer Letters will be sent via email starting in early June and continue on a rolling basis as students complete all of their requirements and are registered for the fall term. |
Graduate Students |
*FAFSA filing required for the following Alma Programs: Distinguished Presidential, ACE, Detroit Future, Detroit Promise, Heritage Need Based Award, and STEM.