Timeline

Freshman Check List

Use the timeline below to make sure you are taking the right steps financially.

1. Apply for Admissions

• After completion of your junior year of high school, you can apply for admission to Indiana State University.
• Need assistance?  Contact the Office of Admissions

2. Check for Scholarships

• ISU Scholarships are listed in the Branch.  Be sure to visit the Branch before December 1^st of your senior year of high school to be considered for many scholarships.  Remember, you must be admitted to ISU.
• Scholarships from other resources are always a great help.  Visit our Types of Aid page for other scholarship opportunities.  Be sure to let us know of your outside scholarships by completing the Scholarship Notification Form.

3. Complete the FAFSA

• The Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA) is available on October 1^st of your senior year of high school. 
• To be considered for all possible Indiana Commission of Higher Education funding, file the FAFSA by April 15^th (Indiana Residents).
• Indiana State University school code is 001807.

4. Review your Financial Aid Notification Packet

• Beginning mid-January, Financial Aid Notification (FAN) packets are mailed and the document can also be viewed in your MyISU Portal account.  The portal is your go-to resource for real-time information about your financial aid status, requirements, account balance and awards.  

5. Submit your Immunization Records

• For details about State Immunization Records and how to submit them - visit the Office of Registration and Records.

6. Find Your Spot - Housing

• Apply for housing - for more information visit Residential Life.

7. Join us for State Start-Up

• In June, you will have a chance to sit with a Financial Aid Counselor to review your account.  This is a great opportunity to submit requested documents, discuss loan options, and get a better understanding of your financial aid.

8. Make your Federal Student Loan Decisions

• For details about Federal Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans – visit Types of Aid.
• Students that are eligible for Federal Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans will need to make a decision to accept or decline.  After June 1^st make your decision on your MyISU Portal. 
• If you choose to accept your Federal Student Loans, then complete Entrance Counseling and the Master Promissory Note.

9. Consider Other Aid Options

• Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans. A credit-based loan taken by your parents to help cover your educational expenses as a dependent student.  If your parent is denied a Parent PLUS loan, you are eligible for up to $4,000 (based on your cost of attendance) in additional unsubsidized loans as a freshman.  You will need to complete the Additional Unsubsidized Loan Request Form in order to access these funds. 
• Private Alternative Loans.  Loans offered by private lenders rather than the federal government.
• Military Benefits.  Supplemental Grants and benefit programs are available for assistance with higher education.
• Additional Funding Options. 
• Types of Aid.  For a full listing of aid options available at Indiana State University.

10. Check your Bill

• Approximately 10 days prior to the beginning of the term, aid will disburse to your ISU student account. If you are expecting a refund, sign up for direct deposit.
• On the first day of the semester, Bursar bills are due for students who are already enrolled. Be sure to pay online by the due date.
• Be sure to pay your remaining balance with the University to avoid registration holds.
• Reminder: Text books are not included in your bill.  Do not rely on Federal aid to purchase text books.

11. Start your Classes and Maintain Eligibility

• For information on maintaining eligibility, visit keeping your aid.