The differences tend to be with the various requirements and deadlines for institutional applications for aid. There may also be differences with applications for private loans.

Most of the information provided in this section is relevant to US citizens looking to study either within or outside of the United States. If you are not a US citizen and are looking for information about financial aid, please contact your school.

There are some general steps to this process:

• Contact your school regarding their financial aid application process.
• Be sure to ask about any institutional applications and required deadlines.
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), if you are considering applying for federally supported aid, and have copies sent to those schools where you will be applying.
• Do your due diligence with regard to selecting a lender for any Stafford, Grad PLUS, and/or private loans you may borrow.