Applying for Aid: Returning Students
These instructions are provided specifically for students who have received financial aid from Oberlin in a prior year and who are returning to campus for the next academic year.
The priority deadline for returning students is March 28th.
Note: the 2024-2025 FAFSA will not be available for completion until December.
Overview for Returning Students
The instructions on this page are for students who have received financial aid from Oberlin in a prior year and who are returning to campus for the next academic year. If you have been enrolled before but this is the first time you are applying for financial aid from Oberlin, you must follow the instructions for prospective students.
The priority deadline is March 28. Failure to submit all required application materials by the priority date along with continued tardiness in completing the financial aid application may result in a reduction of grant assistance. If you know that you will be unable to meet the priority date due to a special circumstance, please contact the Office of Financial Aid to discuss your situation.
Students and parents will receive the first renewal reminder in October via the email address on file. If you have not received a renewal notification by Jan. 1, please contact the Office of Financial Aid.
Returning international students do not need to follow these procedures. International students should see the Financial Aid for International Students page.
Oberlin College reserves the right to shred any and all non-required documents.
Additional Resources
You can download all relevant forms and documents as PDF files no matter where you are in the financial aid application process.
Financial aid packages are based on both full-time enrollment at Oberlin and on-campus residence for a full academic year. Students who study abroad, enroll less than full time, live off campus, or commute will receive an adjustment to their financial aid packages.
See the detailed expenses involved in an Oberlin education, and read about the billing cycle and financing plans.
FAFSA
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) renewal. Applications can be submitted beginning October 1.
- Be sure to include Oberlin College [Title IV code 003086] in the school section.
The FSA ID ― a username and password ― has replaced the Federal Student Aid PIN and must be used to log in to certain U.S. Department of Education websites. Learn how to create your FSA ID.
Federal Tax Returns
PLEASE NOTE: Oberlin College does not participate in the iDoc program. You must send all documents directly to Oberlin College Financial Aid Office via email, fax or regular mail.
- Include copies of all W-2 forms.
- Do not send state tax returns.
- Be sure all tax returns are signed.
- If you file for a federal income tax extension, please contact the Office of Financial Aid.
- If your parent(s) are not required to file a federal tax return, a non-filer statement must be completed.
Contact Information
Email: Financial.Aid@oberlin.edu
Telephone: 800-693-3173 or 440-775-8142
Fax: 440-775-8249
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., EST
Mailing Address:
Oberlin College
Office of Financial Aid
52 West Lorain St.
Oberlin, OH 44074
Dependent Verification
Complete the Oberlin Dependent Verification Form; priority date of March 28.
Loans
Loans can be extremely useful, but understanding their terms and conditions can be confusing. We've centralized loan information in this section to help you find the answers to your loan questions.
Renewing a Parent PLUS Loan
Returning students needing to borrow or renew a Parent PLUS Loan must reapply each year for a Parent PLUS Loan, even if you had one last year and we have added it to the package for this year.
Please visit: www.studentaid.gov to complete the Parent PLUS Loan application online.
Check Status
Notifications of financial aid eligibility will be sent on a weekly basis through the summer.
If you have not received a response to your aid application and you believe you should have, it may be because your application is not yet complete. Review the application steps and ensure that you've completed all steps in a timely manner. Students may check Banner Self Service, Oberlin's online student records system, to see if any required documents are missing.
Learn More
When will I find out about my financial aid award?