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Get Started with Financial Aid

File Your FAFSA

Spalding’s school code is 001960.

 

Financial Aid 101

We understand the financial aid process can feel daunting, and we are here to help you. Use this page to get started by learning about common financial aid terms you’ll see often, getting a step-by-step guide for starting your aid process, and connecting with a financial aid team member if you need help.

Financial Aid Terms

Money awarded to students to help pay for education, usually based on academic achievement, talent, or specific criteria. Scholarships do not need to be repaid.

Financial aid given by the government, school, or other organization based on financial need. Grants do not need to be repaid.

Money borrowed to pay for college and related expenses. Loans need to be repaid after graduation or leaving school. There are three types of federal loans:

  • Subsidized loans are federal loans based on financial need where the government pays the interest while you are in school and during grace periods.
  • Unsubsidized loans are federal student loans not based on financial need that accrue interest immediately, even while you are in school.
  • Federal Direct PLUS Loans are federal loans for parents of dependent undergraduate students to cover education costs not met by other financial aid.

Private student loans are non-federal, credit-based loans from banks, credit unions, or lenders used to cover education costs exceeding federal aid.

A program that provides part-time jobs for students with financial need to earn money to help pay for college expenses.

This is a form that students fill out each year to apply for federal financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study. The FAFSA helps schools determine how much aid you are eligible for.

The complete combination of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study a college offers you.

Getting Started: A Step-by-Step Guide

In order to receive financial aid, you must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.

Here’s how to get started.

1.

Create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID

Go to studentaid.gov and create your FSA ID—this is your username and password for federal student aid. If you’re a dependent student, a parent will need one too in order to sign your FAFSA.

Create Your FSA ID

2.

Complete the FAFSA Form

Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov. Spalding University’s school code is 001960— be sure to list it so they receive your application.

You’ll need the follow list, so keep these handy:

  • Your Social Security Number
  • Your (and your parent’s, if you are a dependant) tax information, including federal tax returns and income records
  • Spalding’s school code (001960)

FAFSA opens October 1, so make sure to apply as early as possible for the best aid options.

3.

Watch for Your Student Aid Report

After submitting the FAFSA, you’ll get a Student Aid Report (SAR). Review it carefully for errors. If needed, return to FAFSA.gov to fix mistakes.

4.

Apply for Admission to Spalding

You must apply and be accepted to Spalding University to receive an official financial aid offer. You can apply online!

5.

Get Your Financial Aid Offer

Once you’re accepted, Spalding will review your FAFSA and send you a letter with details about your financial aid package!

Financial Aid FAQs

FAFSA opens for the following academic year on October 1, meaning you can fill out the form starting October 1, 2025 for the 2026-2027 school year. You should fill out your FAFSA as soon as possible since some aid is first come, first served.

Whether you are dependent or independent depends on your:

  • Age
  • Marital status
  • Military service
  • Other factors

Most students under 24 are considered dependent, even if you do not live at home.

Contact Spalding’s financial aid office to request a special circumstances review or professional judgement.

Email: financialaid@spalding.edu

Phone: (502) 873-4330

Yes! Kentucky has multiple programs for financial aid including the KEES Scholarship, CAP Grant, and Kentucky Tuition Grant. See our Scholarships and Grants pages for information on receiving Kentucky resident benefits.

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Contact Us

As you navigate the financial aid process, you’re bound to have questions. Please do not hesitate to reach out to a member of our team!

Office of Financial Aid

Financial Aid Team
Hours:
Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Address:
901 S 4th Street Suite 300, Louisville, KY 40203
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901 South Fourth Street, Louisville, KY 40203 1 (502) 585-9911
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