Financial Aid Checklist
Follow these steps to apply for federal student aid:
STEP 1: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) . Include Vanderbilt’s school code of 003535 to have your FAFSA information forwarded electronically to the Office of Student Financial Aid for review. Your Social Security number must be on file at Vanderbilt to obtain access to your FAFSA upon being admitted.
If you wish to start classes in May 2025, please complete the 2024-2025 FAFSA. If you wish to start classes in August 2025, January 2026 or May 2026, please complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA.
STEP 2: Once you are officially admitted and have submitted a FAFSA, you will be reviewed for a financial aid package. Your award notification will be sent to you via mail to the address listed on the admissions application.
STEP 3: Once you receive your award letter, alert the Peabody Office of Student Financial Aid of any loan amount changes by emailing Peabody.FinancialAid@Vanderbilt.edu.
STEP 4: If you would like to accept your Direct Unsubsidized loan please complete entrance counseling, and electronically sign the Master Promissory Note (MPN) online on the Federal student loans page. You will need your FSA ID to login to the website. Entrance counseling and your MPN must be completed for funds to disburse to your Vanderbilt student account. Disbursements occur during the first week of classes of each semester.
STEP 5: Evaluate your need for additional funding such as the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan, which is a credit-based loan. If you are interested you can apply for the Graduate PLUS loan on the Federal student loans page and complete the separate MPN for that loan.
- If you are denied the Grad PLUS Loan, you will receive an email advising you to reapply with a cosigner (endorser) or to appeal the denial through the US Department of Education.
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