Applying for Financial Assistance
To apply for financial assistance at Luther, just follow these step-by-step directions:
- Apply for admission to Luther. (Do not wait for your acceptance before completing the next steps.)
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). We recommend filing electronically at www.FAFSA.ed.gov if possible.
- Both student and parent must apply for a PIN (Personal Identification Number) to use as electronic signatures on the FAFSA.
- It's most helpful to print a copy of the FAFSA On The Web Worksheet and complete it before entering the information online. (If you choose to complete and refer to a copy of the paper FAFSA as you file online, keep in mind that the order of the paper FAFSA does not correspond with the online FAFSA.)
- Luther's FAFSA Code is 001874.
- Do keep a copy of your application for your records.
- If filing online is not an option, you can obtain a paper copy of the FAFSA from your high school guidance counselor or Luther's Financial Aid Office—just call (563) 387-1018 or 800-4LUTHER (800-458-8437).
- To receive your aid notification at the earliest possible date, we recommend you complete your FAFSA by March 1.
- Complete the Luther College Supplemental Financial Aid Application (PDF) and return it to the Financial Aid Office.
- Apply for all outside sources of assistance for which you are eligible. Talk with your high school guidance counselor or Luther admissions representatives. Community organizations, churches, insurance companies, corporations, and employers often give awards and/or matching grants based on financial need, academic achievement or membership. In most cases, outside scholarships will reduce the amount of loan you will need to finance your Luther education.
- If there are special circumstances that affect your ability to contribute or your parent's ability to contribute to your educational expenses, please submit a letter outlining these circumstances to the Financial Aid Office. Instructions for reporting and documenting the most common circumstances can be found on the forms section of the Financial Aid website under Special Circumstances Reporting Information.
It is important that you meet all application deadlines to maximize the amount of assistance available to you. Iowa residents should take special note of the state grant deadline posted in the FAFSA instructions.
Prospective admitted students who have met the priority filing date will receive a detailed award notification by the first of April. This allows for plenty of time to review your award before letting us know of your decision to enroll.