Applying for Financial Aid

All students who are interested in applying for need based federal, state, or institutional aid should file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) electronically at www.fafsa.gov.

Eligible applicants should follow the steps below to get the process started.

Merrimack College’s Federal School Code is 002120. To be considered for need based institutional aid, incoming freshmen must apply as soon as possible after January 1 and no later than February 15. Returning students must apply by April 1.

Here are the steps to apply:

Step 1:  Obtain your PIN

In order to complete the FAFSA both a parent and the student must have a PIN number to electronically sign the application. (Students who were born before January 1, 1990 are considered Independent and do not need to file parent information for the 2013-2014 FAFSA).  Apply for a federal FAFSA PIN at: www.fafsa.gov or by visiting www.pin.ed.gov   Once you have your PIN you may go to Step 2.

Step 2: Get Started

Log onto www.fafsa.gov and click on “Start Here”. 

You’ll need a variety of information in order to complete your FAFSA, including tax information and bank statements. If parent/student 2012 federal tax returns are not completed, please use estimated income information from 2011 federal tax returns or your last pay stub in 2012.  Once tax returns are complete the FAFSA must be updated.

Step 3: Finishing Touches

Once all information has been entered on the application, include Merrimack’s school code: 002120.

Both the parent and student have to electronically sign the application before sending it to be processed.  You will be notified via email that the application has been processed so be sure that you have a valid email address.  Processing questions?  Call 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243)

Step 4: Notification

Congratulations – you’re all done!  Once your application has been processed, Merrimack College will begin the process of awarding need-based aid.  When you get your letter in the mail, review it carefully. If you would like to decline or make changes your award, please sign and return a copy of your Financial Aid Award Notification Letter to the Office of Financial Aid.