Applying for Financial Aid
Making an ODU Education Attainable
We strive to make it as easy as possible for you to advance your education - whether that's completing a degree or pursuing other credentials.
We're happy to answer any questions you may have during the financial aid process, so please reach out! Be aware that you are responsible for completing all financial aid paperwork prior to orientation and the beginning of classes.
File your FAFSA at www.studentaid.gov
(ODU's federal school code: 003035)
Your FSA ID can be used each year to apply online for federal student aid. It serves as your electronic signature and provides access to your personal financial aid records. You can obtain an FSA ID at studentaid.gov.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form used by the U.S. Department of Education to determine your Student Aid Index by conducting a need analysis based on financial information, such as income, assets and other household information, which you will be asked to provide.
The MPN (Master Promissory Note) is required of Federal student loan borrowers and remains active for 10 years. You may complete the MPN at www.studentaid.gov
Entrance counseling explains the obligations you agree to meet as a condition of receiving a Direct Loan. Entrance counseling is required before you can receive your first Direct Subsidized Loan or Direct Unsubsidized Loan as an undergraduate, or your first Direct PLUS Loan as a graduate/professional student.
In some cases, students and their families may have special circumstances that were not taken into consideration on the FAFSA form. There are certain circumstances that you should report to the financial aid office that could have an impact on the amount of financial aid that you are being offered.