Financial Aid Timeline
Stay on track throughout the financial aid process. Use this timeline as a guide to important financial aid dates, deadlines, and steps throughout the academic year.
Important: Dates and deadlines may vary by academic year, program, or student. Be sure to regularly check your SharkLink portal and university email for updates and any additional requirements.
Quick Links:
Complete the FAFSA | View My Financial Aid | Contact Financial Aid| SharkLink
Important Financial Aid Dates
October
FAFSA Becomes Available (for federal aid for all students)
- 2027-28 FAFSA - October 1, 2026
- 2026-27 FAFSA - October 1, 2025
Florida Financial Aid Application and NSU State Aid Application Available (for state aid for undergraduate students)
- 2026-27 Florida Financial Aid Application Process - October 1, 2027
- 2027-28 Florida Financial Aid Application Process - October 1, 2026
- 2027-28 NSU State Aid Application - November 15, 2026
- 2026-27 NSU State Aid Application - November 15, 2025
Student Action: File the FAFSA each year as early as possible for the best financial aid offer. Some undergraduate financial aid is offered on a first-come, first served basis. The NSU school code is: 001509. The Florida Financial Aid Application Process through the state and the NSU State Aid Application only has to be completed once.
For step-by-step instructions on applying for financial aid from federal, state, and institutional sources, visit Applying for Financial Aid.
November - February
Research Costs and Financing Options
- Anticipate costs for your program by reviewing your program's tuition and fee information.
- New undergraduate students and their families may use NSU's Net Price Calculator for an approximation of cost.
- Monitor your financial aid account in SharkLink for your financial aid award and possible updates regarding missing information.
- Explore NSU's Scholarship Universe and apply for as many scholarships as possible. Do this all year round!
- Student Health Insurance Waiver Deadline for the Winter Semester - February 1
March
- NSU's FAFSA priority deadline is March 15.
April - May
- Tackle any outstanding financial aid requirements. View your financial aid account in SharkLink. | Step-by-step instructions for accessing your financial aid account.
- Grant information access to others (e.g., parent, spouse).
- Review your NSU eBill.
- Prepare to submit payment prior to payment deadlines.
- Explore additional sources of funding, if needed.
June
- Incoming freshmen must submit all required documents to the admissions office to finalize admission (e.g., final official transcripts, high school diploma). Failure to submit these items will prevent disbursement of aid.
July
- Set up Direct Deposit for future financial aid refunds.
- Decide on student health insurance coverage
- Ensure requirements for financial aid disbursement are met
- Explore additional sources of funding, if needed.
August
- Submit payment in NSU eBill or sign up for a payment plan prior to payment deadlines. Payment Policy
- Continue to monitor your student and financial aid accounts in SharkLink.
September
- Student Health Insurance Waiver Deadline for the Fall Semester - September 1
Don't Miss an Important Deadline
Students should regularly monitor their NSU email and student account for financial aid notifications, outstanding requirements, and updates.
Helpful Resources
- Dollar$ and $ense Newsletter
- Payment Deadlines
- Payment Plan Deadlines
- Undergraduate Academic Calendar (including Registration Deadlines)
- Student Health Insurance Waiver Deadlines and Coverage Periods
- Financial Aid Disbursement Dates
Questions About Financial Aid?
The financial aid team is available to help you understand your requirements, deadlines, and next steps.
Contact Financial Aid and Academic Records (FAAR)
(954) 262-3380 or 800-806-3680
finaid@nova.edu