Current Students

Eligibility Requirements

Undergraduate and Graduate  Students must complete the FAFSA every year to renew grants, work-study, or loans from Federal, State, or Rensselaer sources. If you’re only renewing a Rensselaer merit scholarship, a FAFSA is not required.

Key Dates for Priority Funding:

 Required FormsDeadline
Summer 2025 Arch ParticipantsFAFSAJanuary 31
All Other Returning StudentsFAFSAApril 1

How to Renew Aid

  1. U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens should first re-apply for Federal Student Aid and Federal Loans every year by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and using RPI’s school code 002803. The CSS Profile is not required for returning students.
  2. All undergraduate students will be automatically reconsidered for their RPI when re-enrolling for the upcoming year. U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens must file the FAFSA yearly for the renewal of RPI Grants and other need-based funding. International students would not re-apply for need-based aid from RPI.
  3. SHOULD ARCH INFO GO HERE???
  4. Additional Aid may be available from a student’s state of residence or other outside (non-RPI) sources. If you have previously received additional aid such as an outside scholarship, an alternative educational loan, ROTC Benefits, or Veteran/Military Benefits, you may need to re-apply. Processes will vary and students should always consult with the source.
  5. You’ll be notified when your FAFSA Submission Summary is ready. Review it and make any necessary corrections. Check your Rensselaer SIS financial aid account for any additional documents you may need to submit.

Financial Aid Priority Filing Dates

Learn more about the CSS Profile and FAFSA required forms

Please allow 5-7 days for your CSS Profile and/or FAFSA to be processed.
Decision TypeRequired FormsDue Date
Early Decision ICSS ProfileNovember 1
FAFSADecember 15
Early ActionCSS ProfileDecember 15
FAFSADecember 15
Early Decision IICSS ProfileJanuary 3
FAFSAJanuary 3
Regular DecisionCSS ProfileJanuary 31
FAFSAJanuary 31
Summer 2025 Arch ParticipantsFAFSAJanuary 31
All Other Returning StudentsFAFSAApril 1
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