When applying for financial aid, dates are critical and often confusing.

You may complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) anytime after Jan. 1 prior to the award year, but no later than June 30 of the following year.

The Dallas County Community College District sets up Priority Dates to make sure that if you qualify for certain types of financial aid, an award will be processed before the first day of classes.

• If you plan to attend fall only, or fall and spring semesters:  The priority deadline for submitting your FAFSA application is May 1. Your financial aid file with all supporting documentation should be completed and ready for file review by July 30.*
  
  
• If you plan to attend only the spring semester:  The priority deadline for submitting your FAFSA application is Oct. 1. Your financial aid file with all supporting documentation should be completed and ready for file review by Nov. 30.*
  
  
• If you plan to attend the Summer I term:  The priority deadline for submitting your FAFSA application is April 1. You must also complete and submit a Summer Supplemental Application by April 30. Your financial aid file with all supporting documentation should be completed and ready for file review by April 30.*

* Students who meet these deadlines will be notified by the start of the semester of their eligibility and approval of financial aid. If these deadlines are missed, the student will be expected to make payment arrangements with the Cashier's Office using personal resources at the time of registration (a payment plan is available). Late aid applications will be processed for aid as it becomes available after registration closes. Most scholarship programs have individual deadlines that must be met in order to be considered for an award from a particular scholarship program.

NOTE: Program deadlines may supersede the general deadlines given above.