Need-Based Financial Aid Deadline
Cornell University offers a variety of financial aid programs to help students pay for their education. Students who demonstrate financial need may be eligible for grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs.

The deadline to apply for need-based financial aid is January 5th. Students who miss this deadline may still be eligible for some forms of financial aid, but they are not guaranteed to receive the full amount of aid for which they are eligible.
Merit-Based Financial Aid Deadline
Cornell University also offers a variety of merit-based financial aid programs. These programs are awarded to students based on their academic achievements, leadership skills, and other factors.
The deadline to apply for merit-based financial aid is December 1st. Students who miss this deadline will not be considered for merit-based financial aid.
How to Apply for Financial Aid
To apply for financial aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is available online at www.fafsa.gov.
Students will also need to submit a CSS Profile to Cornell University. The CSS Profile is an additional financial aid application that is required by some colleges and universities.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When applying for financial aid, students should avoid making the following common mistakes:
- Missing the deadline. Students who miss the financial aid deadline will not be guaranteed to receive the full amount of aid for which they are eligible.
- Not completing the FAFSA. The FAFSA is the most important financial aid application. Students who do not complete the FAFSA will not be considered for any type of financial aid.
- Not submitting the CSS Profile. The CSS Profile is required by some colleges and universities. Students who do not submit the CSS Profile may not be considered for merit-based financial aid.
- Not completing the financial aid application process. The financial aid application process can be complex. Students should make sure to complete all of the steps in the process.
How to Step-by-Step Approach to Apply for Cornell Financial Aid
Step 1: Apply for admission to Cornell University
The first step to applying for financial aid at Cornell University is to apply for admission to the university. Students can apply online, by mail, or through the Common Application.
Step 2: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The FAFSA is the most important financial aid application. Students must complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.gov.
Step 3: Submit a CSS Profile to Cornell University
The CSS Profile is an additional financial aid application that is required by some colleges and universities. Students can submit the CSS Profile online at cssprofile.collegeboard.org.
Step 4: Complete the financial aid application process
The financial aid application process can be complex. Students should make sure to complete all of the steps in the process.
Why Financial Aid Deadline: Cornell Matters
The financial aid deadline at Cornell University is an important date for students who need financial assistance to pay for their education. Students who miss the deadline may not be guaranteed to receive the full amount of aid for which they are eligible.
Benefits of Applying for Financial Aid Early
There are several benefits to applying for financial aid early:
- Increased chances of receiving aid. Students who apply for financial aid early are more likely to receive the full amount of aid for which they are eligible.
- More time to compare financial aid offers. Students who apply for financial aid early will have more time to compare financial aid offers from different colleges and universities.
- Reduced stress. Applying for financial aid early can help to reduce stress. Students who know how much financial aid they will receive can better plan for their college expenses.
Conclusion
The financial aid deadline at Cornell University is an important date for students who need financial assistance to pay for their education. Students who miss the deadline may not be guaranteed to receive the full amount of aid for which they are eligible. Students should make sure to complete the financial aid application process early to increase their chances of receiving aid.
Tables
Table 1: Financial Aid Deadlines at Cornell University
Aid Type | Deadline |
---|---|
Need-Based Financial Aid | January 5th |
Merit-Based Financial Aid | December 1st |
Table 2: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Financial Aid
Mistake | Description |
---|---|
Missing the deadline | Students who miss the financial aid deadline will not be guaranteed to receive the full amount of aid for which they are eligible. |
Not completing the FAFSA | The FAFSA is the most important financial aid application. Students who do not complete the FAFSA will not be considered for any type of financial aid. |
Not submitting the CSS Profile | The CSS Profile is required by some colleges and universities. Students who do not submit the CSS Profile may not be considered for merit-based financial aid. |
Not completing the financial aid application process | The financial aid application process can be complex. Students should make sure to complete all of the steps in the process. |
Table 3: Benefits of Applying for Financial Aid Early
Benefit | Description |
---|---|
Increased chances of receiving aid | Students who apply for financial aid early are more likely to receive the full amount of aid for which they are eligible. |
More time to compare financial aid offers | Students who apply for financial aid early will have more time to compare financial aid offers from different colleges and universities. |
Reduced stress | Applying for financial aid early can help to reduce stress. Students who know how much financial aid they will receive can better plan for their college expenses. |
Table 4: Key Figures
Figure | Description |
---|---|
$45,861 | Average cost of attendance at Cornell University |
$33,600 | Average financial aid award at Cornell University |
65% | Percentage of Cornell students who receive financial aid |