Navigating Financial Aid
"We’re here to assist and have compiled our best tips to help you navigate the process."
"We’re here to assist and have compiled our best tips to help you navigate the process."
Hello!
We know financing your education is an important consideration when applying for college. If you are applying for need-based aid, completing the FAFSA and CSS Profile is an important place to start. Bryn Mawr meets 100% of calculated financial need for eligible undergraduate students, and the CSS Profile helps us understand your family’s financial circumstances and review your eligibility for institutional aid that may help offset college costs. At Bryn Mawr, please remember that we require two forms to apply—the CSS Profile for all applicants and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for domestic applicants. The 2027–28 FAFSA opened early on September 23, 2026, while the CSS Profile opened on October 1.
We understand that families may feel overwhelmed about navigating the financial aid process. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. We’re here to assist and have compiled our best tips to help you navigate the process.
Our Tips:
- Start Early. Complete the FAFSA and CSS Profile as soon as you are able. You do not need to have the entire financial aid process figured out before you begin.
- Keep an Eye on Deadlines. Keep an eye on your email and applicant portal in case additional information or documentation is needed.
- Ask for Help. And if you are unsure about something, ask. A quick question early in the process can often save a lot of confusion later.
- Learn More About Costs. Financial aid can include grants, scholarships, student loans, and campus employment, and every family’s situation is a little different. Once your applications are complete, the Financial Aid Office can review your information and assess your eligibility for aid.
- Stay Informed. Once you’ve submitted your financial aid applications, be sure to regularly check your applicant status portal for updates. Our office will use the portal and email to communicate with you if there’s additional documentation we need to help finalize your financial aid offer.
Our goal is simple: to help make a complicated process feel more manageable and you better understand how to plan for the cost of a Bryn Mawr education. If you have questions along the way, reach out. We are here to help.
Wishing you the best of luck in your college search!
Joanne Sullivan
Dean of Financial Aid
Questions about Financial Aid?
We know that families have many questions when it comes to navigating the financial aid process. Contact the Office of Financial Aid directly at finaid@brynmawr.edu for our assistance.