Paying For College

Step by Step - Financial Aid at IPFW

Step 1: File a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

If you are a first time college student, read our First Time Student page

Use the table below to find which FAFSA you should file:

If you are transferring to IPFW from another college or university, read our Transfer Students page

Financial Aid for Summer Classes has a different process.  You must have a FAFSA on file and complete an application for Summer aid with the Financial Aid Office.  Summer is always a part of the current academic year.

Step 2: Apply for Admission to IPFW

If you have not already done so, you must complete an application for admission to IPFW through the Admissions Office.  This can be done before or after you file your FAFSA, but your FAFSA will not be processed (and no aid will be awarded) until you are admitted to IPFW.

Step 3: Set up your myIPFW account and log on

Once you are admitted to IPFW, log on to myIPFW to set up your accounts.   It is recommended you do this as soon as possible, and log on often.  Official correspondence will be sent to your IPFW student email account and you should check your student email account and the Enrollment tab on myIPFW regularly to keep updated on your student career.

Step 4: Complete any Red Flags

Log on to myIPFW and click on the Enrollment tab.  If you have any Red Flags in the Financial Aid Requirements box, you must complete them before you can be awarded any financial aid, including student loans.   In some cases (for example, the Verification process) it may take up to 7 to 10 business days to be awarded after completing Red Flags.  Another reason to get your requirements out of the way early!

Step 5: Awarding your aid

Once your FAFSA is received by IPFW, and any Red Flags have been cleared, you are ready to have your financial aid awarded (this process is called packaging).  For the each new school year, packaging usually begins in June and continues several times a week during the school year.  When your aid has been pacakged, you will receive an e-mail at your IPFW student email address, and first time Freshman will receive a paper letter in the mail.

Step 6: Accepting and receiving aid

Each year, all students must read and accept the Financial Aid Terms and Conditions before they can view and accept their financial aid awards.  If accepting loans for the first time at IPFW, you must also complete the Pre-Loan Requirements (Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note).

Once your financial aid funds are received, it pays to your student account.  Once your balance is satisfied, any aid left over will be refunded by the Bursar's Office.  You can opt to have your refund direct deposited into your bank account,  or a paper check will be mailed to your home address.

Step 7: Review your student account balance

You should log on to myIPFW regularly to review your student account.  Monitoring your balance can keep you updated on any fees or due dates and help you avoid administrative action due to a delinquent account. 

Still have questions?  Read our FAQ!