Financial Aid Deadlines

Clothier Hall with Parrish Beach in the foreground

Financial Aid Application Deadlines for Domestic Prospective Students 

Are you an international applicant, or not sure if you are a domestic student? Find more information here.

Swarthmore financial aid is renewable, and returning domestic students must reapply for aid each year. 

  • Nov. 1 — Questbridge National College Match
  • Nov.  15 — Fall Early Decision
  • Jan. 4 —  Winter Early Decision
  • Jan. 4 — Regular Decision
  • April 1  — Transfer Applicants 

Applicants who apply by the deadline will receive their financial aid decision at the same time as their admission decision. 

Important Information for Prospective International Applicants

  • If you're an international applicant, wait to submit your financial aid application until after you’ve received your admission decision. 
  • There’s a two-week document processing period built into the January 4 deadline for your CSS Profile and other financial aid documents.
  • Missing the financial aid deadline will affect your aid offer and your ability to matriculate. 
  • Learn more about how to apply for financial aid as an international applicant. 
    Prospective international students should not submit their financial aid application until admission has been decided; see the International Student Application Instructions for further details.

Financial Aid Application Deadlines for Current Students

  • Dec. 1  —  Recommended deadline for students using the College’s payment plan
    Decisions delivered by Late May 2026
  • March 1 —  Deadline for students not using the College’s payment plan
    Decisions delievered by Late June 2026

Additional Tips for Domestic Applicants 

  • Double-check your application via your financial aid checklist in mySwarthmore before and after submitting to make sure it's complete.
    • Allow for online processing time as your financial aid checklist does not update immediately after uploading documentation to IDOC
  • Make sure to include all required income documents, including:
    • Full U.S. federal tax return (with all schedules)
    • W-2s, 1099s, or other income statements
  • The information you enter on the CSS Profile and FAFSA should come directly from official documents. Do not round or use estimates.
  • Save a copy of everything you submit, just in case you need it later.\

If you're planning a leave of absence or studying abroad:

  • You still need to meet all financial aid deadlines, even while away from campus.
  • Missing the application deadline will affect your aid eligibility and possibly your ability to return to campus. 

Need more time?

If something unexpected happens (like a personal emergency or natural disaster), contact the Financial Aid Office. We may be able to offer deadline flexibility under certain circumstances.