Important Financial Aid Dates
About the Financial Aid Timeline and Cycle
Federal Financial Aid is a government-driven, time-sensitive process with multiple steps that can take up to four to six weeks to complete once all required documents are received. Therefore, you should begin the process as early as possible, at least eight weeks before your planned class start date, to receive a book voucher (if eligible), pay your tuition and fees, and avoid late fees.
The FAFSA is generally available as early as December 1 for the following academic year. For example, you can file a FAFSA on December 1, 2025 for courses that start in the Fall 2026 semester.
The annual federal deadline for filing the FAFSA is June 30 of the same academic year in which you are taking courses. For example, you may file a FAFSA for courses in any semester of the 2025-2026 academic year until June 30, 2026.
The WilmU Financial Aid Office processes financial aid applications throughout the year on a first-come, first-served basis after we receive all required information and documents from you.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Dates
Completing the FAFSA is the first step in the Federal Student Aid application process. The federal government uses the information submitted on your FAFSA to determine your overall eligibility for aid and to calculate an Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The school uses this information to follow up on eligibility issues, and to calculate your final award amounts.
| If You're Taking Courses in this Semester | File This FAFSA | FAFSA Open Date | Federal Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025, Spring 2026, Summer 2026 | 2025-2026 FAFSA | December 1, 2024 | June 30, 2026 |
| Fall 2026, Spring 2027, Summer 2027 | 2026-2027 FAFSA | December 1, 2025 | June 30, 2027 |
Students must submit an initial FAFSA, and then renew the FAFSA each year that federal financial aid is needed.
Transfer and Refund Dates
All students must choose a refund option via the myWilmU Payment Center. Your refund option from previous terms will not be automatically applied.
| Semester | First Funds Transfer Date | Earliest Possible Refund Date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester & Block 1 | October 9, 2025 | October 15, 2025 |
| Fall Block 2 | November 13, 2025 | November 19, 2025 |
| Spring Semester & Block 1 | February 19, 2026 | February 25, 2026 |
| Spring Block 2 | March 26, 2026 | April 1, 2026 |
| Summer Semester & Block 1 | June 18, 2026 | June 24, 2026 |
| Summer Block 2 | July 23, 2026 | July 29, 2026 |
About First Funds Transfer Dates
Authorized financial aid that is ready for transfer will appear on your student account in MyWilmU (Student Billing and Financial Aid) within the applicable term. Financial aid awards considered “ready for transfer” have been awarded and accepted via MyWilmU.
About Earliest Possible Refund Dates
Financial aid funds will NOT be refunded earlier than the dates referenced above. Refunds are issued up to 14 days after financial aid funds are released, also known as disbursed, to your student billing account.
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