Timelines & Deadlines
To be considered for financial aid it is important that you learn the steps you must take to successfully apply for financial aid. Stay organized! Make a folder to keep all financial aid related information in one place. Use these timelines as a guide for completing all of the steps in the financial aid process. If you have any questions please email us at [email protected], give us a call at (616) 331-3234, or stop by our office.
Incoming Student Timeline
|
Time Frame |
Items to Complete |
|---|---|
|
October |
|
|
November |
|
|
December |
Once GVSU has received your FAFSA, log back in to myScholarships to view additional opportunities Register for New Student Orientation (Entering Freshman Students) |
|
January |
Register for New Student Orientation (Entering Transfer Students) |
|
February |
Financial aid offers will be sent to new students |
|
February 15 - March 1 |
Majority of scholarship deadlines for GVSU opportunities in myScholarships |
|
March 1 |
Priority deadline to file your FAFSA |
|
April |
Review tuition and housing rates to determine estimated costs (available after Board of Trustees Meeting) |
|
May - June |
Attend New Student Orientation If you plan to borrow student loans, complete direct loan requirements Explore additional options to cover your balance: - If a parent plans to borrow the Federal Parent PLUS loan, complete application and MPN - If you plan to borrow a private loan, start that process now - If you plan to pay out pocket, visit Student Accounts website to familiarize yourself with the details |
|
July |
Bills will be available in mid-July in myBanner |
|
August 14, 2026 |
Returning Student Timeline
|
Time Frame |
Items to Complete |
|---|---|
|
October |
|
|
November |
Winter 2025 semester bills will be available in myBanner Begin to apply for Scholarships for the upcoming academic year |
|
December 12, 2025 |
Winter 2025 semester payment deadline Once you've filed your FAFSA, log back in to myScholarships to view additional opportunities |
|
March 1 |
Majority of scholarship deadlines for GVSU opportunities in myScholarships Priority deadline to file your FAFSA |
|
April |
Review tuition and housing rates to determine estimated costs (available after Board of Trustees Meeting) |
|
May |
Financial aid offers will be sent to returning students |
|
June |
If you plan to borrow student loans, complete direct loan requirements Explore additional options to cover your balance - If a parent plans to borrow the Federal Parent PLUS loan, complete application and MPN - If you plan to borrow a private loan, start that process now - If you plan to pay out pocket, visit Student Accounts website to familiarize yourself with the details |
|
mid-July |
Fall 2026 semester bills will be available in myBanner |
|
August 14, 2026 |