Transfer Students

Case Western Reserve strongly recommends that transfer students complete both the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as well as the CSS Profile to maximize their opportunities to secure financial assistance from both federal and non-federal sources (such as our own institution). To be considered for federal financial aid alone, you need only complete the FAFSA.

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

U.S. citizens and permanent residents must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to be considered for federal student aid, including the Federal Pell Grant, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal Direct Loans, Federal PLUS Loans and Federal Work-Study. The FAFSA is required of all U.S. citizens and permanent residents applying for need-based institutional aid from Case Western Reserve University.

Dependent students must complete the form with their parents, while independent students complete the form using his or her household information.

Complete the CSS Profile

Entering transfer students are required to complete and submit the CSS Profile in order to be considered for need-based institutional aid from Case Western Reserve.

Dependent students must complete the form with their parents, while independent students complete the form using his or her household information.

If a dependent student’s parents are divorced, separated or were never married, the CSS Profile application will collect information from both the custodial parent as well as the noncustodial parent. Each parent will use their own login credentials so neither will be able to view the other’s reported information. Based upon the marital status of the student’s natural or adoptive parents, further instructions will be provided when completing the CSS Profile as to how each parent may complete their portion of the application.

U.S. citizens and permanent residents who meet the criteria below may complete the CWRU CSS Profile Waiver. Once this document is submitted and reviewed families will be notified if additional information is required.

Dependent Students:

• Family annual income is less than $65,000
• Family assets total less than $100,000

Independent Students:

• Student/spouse annual income is less than $25,000 
• Student/spouse assets total less than $25,000

Please note this form is only accessible to CWRU applicants using university-provided login credentials.

Deadlines

Transfer applicants for admission should observe the following priority deadlines for completing the CSS Profile and FAFSA:

Application Supplements (if requested)

Upon receipt of a student's application, the Office of University Financial Aid may require additional information. Students will be notified of the request via email and can view required documents in the My Financial Aid portal's Documents tab. 

Only submit additional forms if requested by the Office of University Financial Aid. Download them from the appropriate forms library. 

Notification of Financial Aid Eligibility

Once you have completed either the FAFSA or CSS Profile you may receive a preliminary award; however all documentation required to complete your financial aid record is required before we can provide an official award. It is not unusual for students to receive multiple award revisions when new or additional documentation is submitted.