Receiving Aid
Application Review
Once you complete your FAFSA, respond to all verification requests, and review your Student Aid Report, Financial Aid Services will begin the process of reviewing your application. For now, you need only wait and respond to any further requests.
Financial Aid Decisions
New Students
New students receive aid decisions beginning April 1 and ongoing. If your file is complete, you will receive your award notification by mail prior to the Candidate’s Reply Date of May 1. This is the date by which accepted students must notify UMass Amherst of their intent to enroll.
Returning Students
Returning students receive aid decisions beginning in the middle of June and ongoing. After spring-term grades are posted in early June, Financial Aid Services must check each student’s file for Satisfactory Academic Progress. Once this is confirmed, Financial Aid Services can finalize decisions. Returning students will receive their financial aid decision in the mail, but may also access it through their SPIRE account.
