Apply for Aid

Applying for financial aid seems like a daunting task, but the Office of Financial Aid is here to help. 

Eligibility for Aid

The amount of financial aid you can receive depends on several factors, which can include things like your level of enrollment, whether you live on- or off-campus, and if you have financial need.

Financial awards may change at any time without notice. It is the student's responsibility to check information at dominican.edu for the most current award levels. Last Updated: March 20, 2025.

The FAFSA

The application process for financial aid begins with the submission of a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). FAFSA helps Dominican determine a student’s eligibility for grants and loans by asking for income and asset information for the student, their parents or spouse (if applicable).

• Create a FSA ID
  If you're new to FAFSA, you will first need to create a FSA ID. The FSA ID is used to login to the FAFSA web portal, as well as all other federal student aid websites.
• Complete the FAFSA
  For the 2025/26 academic year, students can now submit their FAFSA. The FAFSA must be submitted before April 2 in order for students to be eligible for several types of financial aid. You will complete this form through the FAFSA web portal or the myStudentAid app. Download the app in the Apple or Google app store. Dominican's school code is 001196. 
  
  Please note — you should never pay a fee to file a FAFSA or pay someone to submit a FAFSA on your behalf. There are no costs associated with filing a FAFSA. 

California Dream Act

Much like the FAFSA, the CA Dream Act helps Dominican determine a student’s eligibility for grants and loans by asking for income and asset information for the student, their parents or spouse (if applicable).

Important Dates

Applying for Aid

After submitting the FAFSA or CA Dream Act, you will receive an email notification that your Financial Aid Award Letter is available. Your College Financing Plan/Award Letter details the amount of financial aid for which you are eligible. Once you receive the email notification, you will need to follow these steps

1. Visit your portal which can be found in the Financial Aid Award Letter email.
2. Log into your portal.
3. Check the “Complete required documents” section on the Financial Aid Counseling page.
4. Under the “Checklist” section on the Financial Aid Counseling page, you will be able to review, accept or decline your financial aid awards. If you are taking out loans, please Accept or Decline them.
5. If you are borrowing federal loans, please complete your Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Counseling.

Graduate Federal Unsubsidized Loans

Most graduate students are eligible for up to $20,500 each academic year in Federal Unsubsidized Loans and are eligible to apply for additional loans if needed. To apply, please complete the FAFSA.

Learn more about specific loan types on the Graduate Loans page.

Start your fafsa application