How do I apply for financial aid?
By completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
What are the deadlines for submitting financial aid forms?
Canisius recommends that you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 15 of each year.
What is Canisius University's school code for completing the FAFSA?
002681
If my parents' taxes are not completed by February 15, should I wait for them to be completed before I file my FAFSA?
Filing a FAFSA now requires that you use federal tax information from what is called the prior prior year. You will use your taxes from a previous year. For example for the 2025-2026 academic year you would use the taxes from 2023. The expectation is that the majority of the population will have filed those taxes by the time of the FAFSA completion.
Do I have to reapply for financial aid every year?
Yes. Each year you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Note that your eligibility for financial aid may change from year to year, especially if you have a different number of family members in college.
Once my financial aid package is awarded, will additional scholarships reduce the amount of financial aid I can receive?
If the various financial awards (i.e. scholarships/grants, loans, work) have met your financial need and we learn of an outside private scholarship, then one of the financial aid awards may be reduced or limited. Ideally, self-help financial aid (loans, work) would be reduced first.
My parents are separated or divorced. Which parent is responsible for filing the FAFSA?
If your parents are separated or divorced, the custodial parent is responsible for completing the FAFSA. The custodial parent is the parent with whom you lived with the most during the past 12 months. Note that this is not necessarily the same parent who has legal custody. Contact a financial aid specialist if you need further clarification.
I think my parents (or I) make too much money to qualify for financial aid programs - but we still need help. Is there anything available to us?
You should always apply for financial aid that may be available from all sources (college, state, federal). You may be eligible for more aid than you think but until you actually apply for aid, we will not know. You should start by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
What do I do if I feel that I have a "special circumstance" that should be considered when determining my financial aid?
If there is anything unusual regarding your financial situation that should be brought to our attention, please contact us so that we can examine this information for its impact on your financial aid eligibility.
How do I review and accept my financial aid award package?
Log into your myCanisius portal and go to Financial Services → Accept/Review Financial Aid. In the new student myCanisius portal go to Student Records and Financial Services → Accept Financial Aid. Under the Financial Aid Award information click on Award for Aid Year and select the appropriate year.
You can accept, decline, or reduce your loans or work study awards. Your grants/scholarships are already accepted for you. Your TAP cannot be accepted as that will happen automatically when we receive this information from NYS.
How can I get more financial aid to help pay my student bill?
You can send a request in writing explaining your particular situation and why you are requesting additional financial aid. Please be as descriptive as possible. If you are inquiring about endowed scholarships please provide information about you, such as any activities you are involved with both on campus and off campus, career goals, etc. The Financial Aid Committee will review your request.
Why did my financial aid change?
Financial aid is based on need and is determined based on your FAFSA information. Since you file your FAFSA each year, circumstances may change with you or your family. Some of the common changes are an increase in income, change in family size, and change in number in college. Any changes in this information has the potential to change your financial need, thus changing your financial aid.
Will my financial aid change if I decide to move out of the residence hall?
Yes. Your financial aid could change, depending on the type of financial aid. Where you reside, whether it is at home, in a residence hall, or in an off campus apartment, has a direct impact on your financial calculation. When you change your residency, we will review your file and let you know what your new award would be. We would be happy to give you a tentative change of residency award to let you know what would happen before you make a residency change.
I am a new student who was awarded Federal Work Study. How do I get a job?
In mid-August, information about the hiring process will be sent to new students who have been awarded, accepted, and submitted all necessary documents to finalize your financial aid file. Positions will be posted for students to review and make interview appointments. Work study funds are paid directly to the student and NOT applied to the student bill.
I am returning to Canisius and would like to return to my Work Study job from last year. What do I do?
First, make sure you received an electronic award letter with Federal Work Study included in the award. If so, be sure to accept it on the Financial Aid section of the portal. Your previous department will be notified of your eligibility.
I have veteran benefits. What do I need to do to get my VA funding?
If you are new to Canisius or this is your first time receiving veteran benefits, be sure to send your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to Scott Badman (@email) in the Student Records & Financial Services Center.
If I get a scholarship from an outside organization, should I notify Canisius?
Federal regulations mandate that all resources be taken into consideration when awarding financial aid. Consequently, if additional funds become available to you, it may be necessary to adjust your institutional award. Please notify our staff as soon as you are awarded funds from any outside agency.
I’ve been selected for verification. What does that mean?
Some student FAFSAs are selected for further review by the federal government or by our Student Records and Financial Services staff. If your FAFSA is selected, you will be asked to provide additional documentation such as tax return transcripts or verification forms to complete your file. This process must be completed before your grant, work and loan financial aid can be credited to your bill. We work with a company called Inceptia to complete our verification process. If additional information is necessary, you will receive an email from them.