Typically, the FAFSA filing application processing cycle lasts 21 months; October 1 through June 30. (Example: for 2026-2027 school year, the filing dates would be October 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027.) Gateway must have a valid student electronic FAFSA record by their last date of enrollment for that school year; i.e., a student is enrolled from May 5, 2026 through April 20, 2027. We MUST have this student's valid FAFSA record by April 20, 2027 in order for financial aid to be disbursed.

Because aid is awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis, you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. We recommend that you submit the FAFSA by Gateway’s priority filing dates to be considered for all eligible aid, although the FAFSA can be completed throughout the academic year.

All excess student financial aid refunds will disburse to student’s selected refund preference through BankMobile Disbursements by midnight (the end of the day) on the posted scheduled date.

Dates listed above are subject to change. Grant and Federal Direct Loan funds are disbursed beginning on the date(s) listed above and continue each Friday until all funds are disbursed. Note: Direct Loans are disbursed in halves on two separate disbursement dates.