Need-Based Aid

Applying for Need-Based Aid

To apply for need-based aid from Muhlenberg and federal student aid, such as federal and Muhlenberg grants, work-study and loans, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Completing and submitting the FAFSA is free to families and gives you access to the largest source of financial aid to pay for college. In addition, PHEAA and Muhlenberg College will use your FAFSA information to determine your eligibility for the PA State Grant and institutional need-based aid.

The FAFSA is an annual application that families will need to complete to be considered for need-based aid. The 2025-2026 FAFSA will be available this winter. Due to delays in FAFSA availability this year, first-year students applying for fall 2025 admission through Early Decision I or Early Action should complete the CSS Profile in order to receive an estimated need-based financial aid offer with their admissions decision.

First-time applicants will need to create an FSA ID and password. For dependent students, a parent will also need to create a FSA ID and password if this was not already done for a prior application submission. This information allows the student and parent to sign the FAFSA electronically.

All students that receive a financial aid offer need to complete the Muhlenberg College Scholarship and Aid Application upon enrollment at the College.

To learn more about how grant and scholarship funds are disbursed, visit our page about disbursement procedures.

Fall 2025 Applicant Information

Students applying for fall 2025 entry as part of the Class of 2029 should complete the following steps in order to be considered for need-based financial aid:

• Complete the 2025-26 FAFSA when it becomes available this winter. The FAFSA is required for need-based aid consideration and to finalize your financial aid offer.
• For Early Decision I and Early Action Only: Complete the CSS Profile, which is available as of September 18. This is strongly encouraged due to projected delays in FAFSA availability this year. Completing the CSS Profile will allow you to receive a timely financial aid estimate upon receiving your admission decision. The CSS Profile is free to complete for students who self-report income lower than $100,000 per year. Other students who believe the $25 filing fee is a financial hardship can request a fee waiver code specifically for their Muhlenberg CSS Profile.