Carnegie Mellon University
Office of Enrollment Management  ›  Student Financial Services  ›  Financial Aid  ›  Graduate Financial Aid Process  ›  FAFSA

Learn more about FAFSA Simplification changes, processing delays, and the current timeline.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Students applying for federal financial aid programs must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. We recommend visiting the Federal Student Aid website to learn about filing your FAFSA and for timely updates. 

Carnegie Mellon requests that students submit the FAFSA as soon as possible once it opens. This will allow us time to request any additional documentation, if needed, and it will support the timely delivery of financial aid offers. 

NEW FOR 2024-2025: Students and contributors (typically spouses for independent/graduate students) will need to create an FSA ID and provide approval for their Federal Tax Information (FTI) to be utilized for their FAFSA to be processed.  Those who don't already have an FSA ID may create one. Learn about more changes for 2024-2025. 

Additional Details:

  • Apply as soon as possible when the FAFSA opens on January 1.
  • Carnegie Mellon’s federal code is 003242.
  • Use 2022 tax information to complete the FAFSA.
  • A Department of Education Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID is required. View FSA ID instructions.
  • Students must complete the FAFSA's electronic signature requirement.
  • Those selected for federal verification after FAFSA completion may need to request an IRS Tax Return Transcript.