Applying for Aid

All students are automatically considered for merit scholarships as part of the admission process; no separate application is necessary for merit scholarships. Students seeking admission for the Spring 2025 term who wish to be considered for additional need-based financial aid awards must complete the following steps:

Step 1: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

• LMU's Federal School Code: 001234
• Students must complete the 2024-2025 FAFSA at studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
• In order to electronically sign your FAFSA, you and a parent will need an FSA ID. Create an FSA ID
• To ensure that you receive timely notification of your LMU financial aid award, complete your FAFSA by the priority deadline applicable to your admission period: 

Financial Aid Dates and Deadlines Based on Admission Status: 

Step 2: California Residents ONLY - Complete the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form

The Cal Grant is awarded annually for applicants who qualify.

First-Year Applicants:

• The 2024-2025 Cal Grant GPA Verification Form must have been submitted to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) by March 4, 2024, the state of California's deadline to be eligible for the Cal Grant for Spring 2025.
• In addition to the GPA Verification form, students must also have completed the 2024-2025 FAFSA prior to May 2, 2025. 

Transfer Applicants:

• If you were previously enrolled at a California Community College, submit your Community College Cal Grant GPA Verification Form to California Student Aid Commission (CSAC).
• Complete the Transfer Entitlement Certification Form (G-6) and submit it to CSAC. (Check CSAC's website for availability)
• Submit an Official Copy of your High School Transcripts to LMU's Transfer Admission.
• If any additional information or documentation is required to complete your financial aid application, LMU Financial Aid will notify you or your parent(s) via PROWL.
• Submission of all requested documents and forms within 10 days of them being requested via PROWL will ensure faster application processing.

Note: LMU Financial Aid will communicate with you once you are admitted, and we will use the email address provided on your admission application and/or FAFSA application. Please be sure to provide an active email account and check it regularly for important announcements.

Deadlines and Notifications

*The U.S. Department of Education has announced that the 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form will not be released for most students until December 1, 2024, instead of the traditional October 1 release date. Due to the delay, LMU is requiring students who are applying through the “Early Decision” admission plan and are seeking need-based financial aid (grants, work-study, and loans) to complete an “LMU Financial Aid Application” to receive a financial aid offer by late December, if the student is admitted. Students who apply through the “Early Decision” admission plan will receive an email with a link to the “LMU Financial Aid Application” in early November.

Completing the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application

Prospective students who are U.S. citizens and are seeking need-based financial aid (grants, work-study, and loans) are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Prospective students who are non-citizens, residents of the state of California, and attending a California-based high school can review the California Dream Act Application section below for information about the California Dream Act Application. 

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

All need-based financial aid and other aid types are determined in whole or in part by the information submitted as part of a student’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students can submit their FAFSA to LMU even prior to applying for admission. LMU Financial Aid recommends applying for aid as soon as possible.  FAFSA information is only processed by LMU after a student receives an offer of admission.

• LMU's Federal School Code: 001234
• Students must complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA at studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa 
• In order to electronically sign your FAFSA, you and a parent will need an FSA ID. Create an FSA ID
• Prospective students must complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) by the state of California's March 3, 2025 deadline to be considered for the Cal Grant.

California Dream Act/AB 540 Application (CA Dream Act Application)

• The California Dream Act allows students who meet the AB 540 criteria to apply for state aid as well as be considered for institutional aid. However, completing this application does not guarantee you will receive institutional aid.
• You can find more information about the California Dream Act and how to apply at the California Student Aid Commission's website here.
• To be considered for the Cal Grant and institutional aid you must also complete the Affidavit of Immigration Status.
• If you have completed the California Dream Act Application (CADAA), please notify LMU Financial Aid by emailing us at finaid@lmu.edu or calling our office at 310-338-2753.  Make sure to provide your full name, LMU ID number, and the date your application was completed.
• Prospective students must complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) by the state of California's March 3, 2025 deadline to be considered for the Cal Grant.

Prospective Students who are California Residents - Complete the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form

The Cal Grant is awarded annually for applicants who qualify each year.

First-Year Applicants:

• Submit the 2025-2026 Cal Grant GPA Verification Form by the state of California's March 3, 2025 deadline. Most California high schools are required to automatically submit the GPA Verification form for their students, but it is your responsibility to confirm the GPA Verification filing process at your school.
  • Download the 2025-2026 Cal Grant GPA Verification Form from the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) website. Fill out the student portion of the form and sign it. Ask the college counseling staff at the school you currently attend or most recently attended to complete the form. 
  • Make a copy for your records and mail the original to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC).
  • If your school does not automatically submit the GPA Verification Form, please follow these steps:
    • In addition to the GPA Verification form, students must also complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) by March 3, 2025.

Transfer Applicants:

• If you were previously enrolled at a California Community College, submit your Community College Cal Grant GPA Verification Form to California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) by March 3, 2025.
• Complete the Transfer Entitlement Certification Form (G-6) and submit it to CSAC by March 3, 2025. (Check CSAC's website for availability)
• Submit an Official Copy of your High School Transcripts to LMU Transfer Admission.
• If any additional information or documentation is required to complete your financial aid application, LMU Financial Aid will notify you or your parent(s) via the Admission portal.
• Submission of all requested documents and forms within 10 days of them being requested via the Admission portal will ensure faster application processing.

Note: LMU Financial Aid will communicate with you once you are admitted, and we will use the email address provided on your admission application and/or FAFSA/CADAA application. Please be sure to provide an active email account and check it regularly for important announcements.