Financial Aid

Frequently Asked Questions:

1.  What happens if I submit financial aid documents after January 10th?

A. Your application will still be considered. Your aid eligibility will not be impacted by the submission of documents after January 10th, but we urge you to submit application materials as soon as possible.   

2. When can I expect to receive access to my Amherst Financial Aid Portal?

A. You will receive an email with instructions to access your portal after your admission application is processed. You will access the Financial Aid Portal using the same username and password that you use to access your Admission Application Status Portal.

3. Can I receive a fee payment code for the CSS Profile?

A. International applicants for whom the CSS Profile application fee will present a serious financial hardship should submit a request to complete the International Student Financial Aid Application (ISFAA) by logging into their admission account. Applicants utilizing the ISFAA will upload the completed form to the Financial Aid Portal. Please allow several business days to process your request to submit the ISFAA. You can submit this form after January 10^th.

4. What is the status of my financial aid application?

A. Students may check the status of their financial aid application and confirm receipt of documents online at http://amherst.edu/go/faportal. CSS Profiles and documents submitted through IDOC will be reflected in your Financial Aid Portal some time after January 3rd.

5. How do I apply for financial aid at Amherst College?

A. Please click here to find detailed instructions on applying for financial aid at Amherst: https://www.amherst.edu/offices/financialaid/firstyear_transfer. Please choose the appropriate link on the left hand side of the page for more information.

6. How do I submit documentation for my financial aid file?

A.  After you submit your CSS Profile, you will be able to upload documentation via IDOC. International applicants should use the financial aid portal to upload income and tax documents, if applicable. More information for International students can be found at https://www.amherst.edu/offices/financialaid/international_students.

7.  My portal indicates that I am missing a student W-2 but I submitted a W-2 Substitute.

A.  If you listed wages on your aid application, we will need a copy of the W-2 issued to you by your employer. If you did not receive a W-2, please provide a brief explanation (I was paid in cash for odd jobs, babysitting, etc.) via email.

The Office of Financial Aid is open in B-5 Converse Hall. Please feel free to be in touch with us by:

> Stopping in the office and saying hello,
> Phone at 413-542-2296 where a staff member will answer your call during business hours,
> Email us and we will reply to you as soon as possible,
> Current students can schedule an appointment to speak with a dean,

We are excited to see you and to assist you with your financial aid needs and questions.

If you have indicated an intention to apply for financial aid, the Office of Financial Aid will create a secure, personalized Financial Aid Portal (FAP) that will allow you to monitor the status of your financial aid application.

First year and Transfer aid applicants will receive an email with instructions to access your portal after your admission application is processed. You will access the Financial Aid Portal using the same username and password that you use to access your Admission Application Status Portal.

 If you never set up your user credentials or have forgotten your password, steps to access instructions are here.

Current students can check the status of their financial aid application, view award information and important messages through our online financial aid portal.