The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Please complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA for the upcoming academic year (Fall 2025/Spring 2026) at studentaid.gov. Use our federal school code 003423. For the 2025-26 FAFSA, The Department of Education recently announced that schools will not receive any information concerning student eligibility until mid-March. The Citadel will send financial aid packages to prospective students as soon as possible after FAFSA’s have been received. You must file to be considered for federal and state financial aid programs and for the majority of scholarships in our Citadel program. Follow the video below on completing FAFSA online. Once our office has your FAFSA on file, that school year’s financial aid account is opened.
FEDERAL SCHOOL CODE
003423
Use this code in your FAFSA to have results sent to The Citadel.
Completing FAFSA Online
Incoming freshmen in the Corps of Cadets
Our office will send email communications beginning in December using the email address provided on the FAFSA. Please immediately complete requests for additional paperwork; delays on your part can hinder your ability to receive aid from programs with limited funding such as grants and scholarships.
Upperclassmen in the Corps of Cadets
Students must file FAFSA each year to qualify for federal and state financial aid, and for the consideration for many Citadel scholarships. The Citadel Scholarship Program only considers students that complete a brief, electronic application each year for the majority of scholarships. For more information, please read Common FAFSA Myths.
College Transfer Program and Graduate Students
College Transfer Program Students and Graduate Students must be in a degree program and enrolled at least part-time (6 credit hours for undergraduates and 3 credit hours for graduate students) to be eligible for federal financial aid. Graduate Certificate Students are not eligible for federal financial aid.
Questions About FAFSA?
Contact the Office Of Financial Aid & Scholarships for more information.