1. Complete the FAFSA
Start by completing your Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA).
2. Student Aid Report
Be on the lookout for your Student Aid Report (SAR). The U.S. Department of Education emails this to you after the information you put on your FAFSA has been evaluated and analyzed.
Thoroughly review the SAR as soon as you receive it. If corrections are required, make corrections on your FAFSA and resubmit.
3. Accept/Decline/Modify Aid
Admitted students will be sent notifications from Old Dominion University of their eligibility for aid to their ODU email account once the aid offer is available for viewing and accepting. The student must accept or decline the aid as offered via online within 10 days of the date of the notification or by May 1, whichever date is latter. Notification of changes to your initial award offer will be sent via email.
- Learn more about how to accept your aid.
By clicking the home tab on the financial aid self-service page, required documents can be reviewed/determined.
4. Adjust Aid
It may be necessary to adjust aid after all documents have been reviewed and compared with the original information reported on your FAFSA. Aid may also be adjusted based on your grade or enrollment level. If your aid is adjusted, you will receive notification by email.
Once your financial aid has been finalized, aid will be applied to your student account 10 days prior to the first day of class.
5. Summer School
Summer School financial aid is administered on a case-by-case basis. There is a separate institutional application and an individualized consultation with your financial aid counselor is required. Aid for the summer session is limited.
6. Plan for Next Year
You can start planning NOW, for NEXT YEAR! You will be able to file your application for the next year on October 1. Complete your application by the priority consideration date of January 1.
No separate application is needed to receive scholarships offered by ODU. Your records are automatically considered.
7. Satisfactory Academic Progress
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements are a component of financial aid eligibility. Your academic progress will be evaluated at the end of the spring semester and if the GPA or hours completed do not meet minimum requirements, you will be placed on financial aid suspension. If that occurs, you will be notified and an opportunity to appeal will be provided. Review Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.
8. Other Scholarships
If you receive a scholarship from a civic group, club, church, or other organization, please ensure that the financial aid office receives a copy of your scholarship award notice. The scholarship check should be forwarded by the agency to the financial aid office at the address above. To expedite crediting of the scholarship to your account, please ask the agency to write your name or University Identification Number on the check.
9. Stay in Touch
Financial Aid is an ongoing process. Regulations and policies are subject to change on short notice.
Stay up-to-date by:
- Checking your email frequently for updates
- Visiting MyODU portal regularly for updates
- Using the web whenever you can
- Knowing and contacting your financial aid counselor.