Applying for Financial Aid

FAFSA Form
Complete the FAFSA using Lasell University code 002158. 

Create a Federal Student Aid ID Creating a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID is essential for accessing and managing federal student aid. Here are the top three benefits of having an FSA ID:

• Secure Login: Access and manage your federal student aid safely.
• Sign Electronically: Your FSA ID acts as your legal e-signature.
• Use for Life: One FSA ID works every year for FAFSA and loans.
  

Financial Aid 101 Live Webinar (2025-26) Presented by MEFA

Learn how to navigate the financial aid process. Anything from starting the FAFSA, learn eligibility rules, and how to interpret aid offers. 

• December 4, 2025 — 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
• March 18, 2026 — 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
• May 6, 2026 — 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
  Register Here for any of the above live sessions.

 What is the FAFSA Simplification Act? 

• FAFSA Simplication Act overview
• FAFSA Simplification FAQs (external PDF)

Federal Student Aid (FSA) Federal Student Aid Estimator

Federal Student Aid (FSA) has published its updated Federal Student Aid Estimator tool to help students and their families calculate the amount of financial aid they may be eligible to receive for the 2025-26 award year.

According to FSA the form should take students, parents, counselors, and prospective students about 5-10 minutes to complete.

Natural Disasters: Info for Affected Individuals

If you’re a student or a federal student loan borrower who has been impacted by a federally declared natural disaster (such as a wildfire, hurricane such as Helene or Milton, flood, or tornado), Federal Student Aid has posted information and answers to frequently asked questions.

1. Complete the FAFSA 

Students who wish to be considered for need-based financial aid from Lasell University, Federal or State grants and loans, or the Federal Work Study program should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) any other documents as required by the Office of Financial Aid. Lasell University FAFSA code: 002158.

To maximize your eligibility for aid, be sure to apply by the appropriate deadline for your state of residence. For Masschusetts residents, the FAFSA should be completed and submitted no later than May 1 in order to be considered for Mass Grant funding. 

Need help?

• Check out these FAFSA resources to get started. 
  
  

• MEFA, the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority, is hosting FREE webinars to help.

  • Register for October - May sessions or watch the on-demand recording anytime.

 
Important Dates for Current Students 

Before you leave Lasell: 

Exit Counseling (Direct Loan Program)
During your final term, or upon leaving school, completing Exit Counseling is mandatory for subsidized and unsubsidized Direct Loan borrowers. This ensures you understand your loan obligations, repayment responsibilities, and strategies to avoid default.

What You’ll Learn:

• Your rights and responsibilities as a borrower, including repayment obligations, deferment, forbearance, and forgiveness options.
• How to manage repayment, including traditional and income-driven plans, consolidation options, and avoiding late fees or default.
• The importance of keeping your contact information up to date with your loan servicer and lender.

What You’ll Need:

• Log into studentaid.gov with your FSA ID: Complete Exit Counseling.
• Your loan balance information
• Contact info for your closest living relative, two U.S. references, and employer or future employer

Time Commitment:

• The session is online, must be completed in a single sitting, and usually takes 20–30 minutes.

ECMC Solutions – Your Loan Repayment Resource

ECMC Solutions provides students with a single resource for all federal student loan questions, with a focus on helping you avoid default. As a non-profit dedicated to student success, ECMC Solutions offers:

• Outbound Calling – One-on-one guidance with advisers who take time to understand your situation and guide you through repayment options.
• Counseling by Appointment – Schedule 1-on-1 counseling sessions at a convenient time. Links are sent via email or available on the ECMC Solutions website.
• Student Webinars – Registration links are emailed for sessions like Repayment Ready, Student Loans 101, and How to Apply for Student Loans.
• Live Chat – Quick, online answers for students who prefer not to call.
• Text Messaging – Timely reminders and outreach during key repayment milestones, including Grace, Delinquency, and Forbearance/Deferment end dates.
• Dynamic Email Campaigns – Personalized, intuitive emails with automated follow-ups based on your loan behavior.

Support & Questions

If you ever have trouble making your loan payments, you have options:

• Contact your loan servicer or the U.S. Department of Education directly.
• Contact our office if you are on the verge of becoming delinquent; we can coordinate communication between you, your loan servicer, and the Department of Education.
• Update your contact information with your lender whenever your address, phone number, or email changes to ensure you receive timely notifications.

Lasell University Awards

All applicants are automatically reviewed for a Lasell University Award as part of the admission review process. The Office of Undergraduate Admission will notify you if you qualify.

Loans

International students are not typically eligible for loan funding, unless you are applying with a co-signer who is either a US Citizen or eligible non-citizen.

For more information on private student loans, visit ELM Select. You will be able to research the lenders who offer private education loans, and begin the application process for a loan. We require that a loan application be completed and approved before we add the loan to the award package and allow it to appear as a credit on your student bill. 

Need-based awards are calculated using the financial information provided on your FAFSA. Because the FAFSA relies on tax data from two years ago, we understand that a family’s income may have changed since then. If your family has experienced a recent change in financial circumstances—such as a job loss or reduced income—please contact the Office of Financial Aid so we can review your current situation and discuss available options.