Apply for Financial Aid
Important Updates to Application Dates
The Department of Education has launched the new streamlined 2024-2025 FAFSA application! While students can complete the FAFSA now for 2024-25, the Department of Education will not begin processing applications until mid-March. We will continue to update our timeline as updates are received from the Department of Education.
| Deadline | What does that mean? |
|---|---|
| December 31st Annual FAFSA Opens |
NEW 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available. Students and families can complete the FAFSA, but the Department of Education will not process the submitted applications until mid-March. |
| mid-March FAFSA Processing Begins |
The Department of Education will begin processing submitted FAFSA applications in March. Students will receive an email from the Department of Education when their application is processed and sent to schools. Students cannot make any corrections to a submitted application until the application is processed. |
| March – April Schools will receive FAFSA |
The Office of Student Financial Planning will begin releasing Financial Aid Notifications to new students for the 2024-25 award year as FAFSA applications are received. If you do not plan on completing the FAFSA, please let the Office of Student Financial Planning know as soon as possible. |
| January – May GA Student Aid Applications |
GA Residents should complete GA state aid applications as soon as possible for the upcoming award year. Some applications must be completed annually. |
| June-July Returning Student Financial Aid Notifications Released |
The Office of Student Financial Planning will begin releasing Financial Aid Notifications for the 2024-25 award year for returning students as FAFSA applications are received from ED. If you do not plan on completing the FAFSA, please let the Office of Student Financial Planning know as soon as possible. |
| August Fall Semester Begins |
Payment arrangements must be made by the first day of class. The first day of class is listed in the academic calendar for your program. |
KNOW YOUR OPTIONS
Types of Financial Aid
Federal Aid Programs
From Pell Grants to federal loans, learn more about the application process for Federal Student Aid programs.
State Aid Programs
The State of Georgia provides a variety of student aid programs for Georgia residents. Many of these aid programs have their own applications, which must be completed each year.
Outside Scholarships
Mercer students receive thousands of outside scholarships each year. These outside scholarships help make a Mercer education more affordable to all students.
Outside Loans
Outside loans are an option for many students and families when seeking higher education goals.
Student Employment
Mercer students may find Federal Work-Study or Non-Work-Study employment to help pay for their educational expenses while enrolled at Mercer.
How to Complete Your FAFSA
Watch this video from Federal Student Aid before completing your FAFSA.
Military-Friendly University
Education Benefits
Army ROTC
Mercer offers an Army ROTC program with full scholarships and additional financial aid benefits for students aspiring to serve in the U.S. Army.
Veterans Benefits
There are a variety of education benefits for military veterans and their families. Mercer is dedicated to serving all of our military-connected students.
