Applying for Financial Aid
Complete the FAFSA
The first step for all students is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students will have to complete a new application every year.
Completing the FAFSA does not obligate you to take out loans, but it will allow the Office of Financial Aid to prepare a financial award package for you to consider as you review all available resources and make sound financial decisions.
Complete the FAFSA online: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa OR through the MyStudentAid mobile app (available for iOS and Android)
- First time users will have to create an FSA ID: https://fsaid.ed.gov
- Capital University Federal School Code: 003023. There is not a unique code or branch ID for the Law School campus.
- If selected for Verification, submit all requested documentation
After your information has been processed by the Department of Education and forwarded to Capital University Law School, we will prepare a financial aid award package detailing your eligibility.
In general, the Office of Financial Aid begins preparing award letters on the following schedule:
| Student Group | Award Letters Processed |
| Fall Incoming Class | First week in March |
| Continuing Students registered for summer | Approximately 2-3 weeks after summer registration |
| Continuing Students registered for fall only | Week after July 4th holiday |
If you do not complete the FAFSA before we begin processing letters for your student group, please do so at your earliest convenience. The Office of Financial Aid will continue to process award letters throughout the year. You can expect to receive an award letter within 7-10 business days of completing your FAFSA online.
Reviewing your Financial Aid Award Letter
Your award letter will outline scholarships and federal funds for which you are eligible. Your total aid eligibility is based on the estimated Cost of Attendance for your program.
The Total Estimated Cost of Attendance includes estimated tuition charges and funding to provide a modest lifestyle for the Columbus and Central Ohio region during the nine-month academic year.
For students taking summer courses, the letter will include a breakdown of summer expenses based on the number of registered credit hours.
Before Requesting Loans
Set a Sensible Budget: Most students do not need the entire amount for which they are eligible. All students should set a realistic budget and consider areas where you may be able to reduce spending and subsequently request fewer loans.
Look for Funding Alternatives: Scholarships, work study, tuition reimbursement, and summer jobs. For some working students, see if your employer has any kind of reimbursement – maybe they’ll cover books for a semester.
You should also research rates of non-federal loan from other entities: your bank or credit union or an outside lender.
Request Loans
Once you determine the amount of loans you’ll need, submit your Loan Request Form to the Office of Financial Aid.
Financial Aid Checklist
In order to ensure that your loans disburse, you must complete a Master Promissory Note for each loan. You must also complete entrance counseling. Please carefully review and complete all steps on the financial aid checklist located on our Financial Aid Forms page. Failure to complete your MPN or entrance counseling will delay disbursal of funds.
How to Access Your Financial Accounts tutorial: review our video presentation with instructions for logging onto and reading your bill. The tutorial will walk you through the various screens and provides you with step-by-step instructions on how to set up direct deposit.