Part of what makes Saint Mary’s so special is the personal attention our students receive, and that extends to our Financial Aid Office. We’ve demystified the financial aid process by providing simple steps for each type of student: new, returning, or international. In addition to these straightforward steps, our Financial Aid staff is available to answer questions and to provide assistance. 

We are available to take phone calls during the academic year Monday through Friday from 8:00am - 5:00pm at (574)-284-4557.  Office hours during the summer are 7:30am - 4:00pm.

Documents can be sent to us in any of the following ways: (Note: We can accept file types of PDF, DOC and JPEG. Note that we cannot open and read file type HEIC.)

  • Emailed as an attachment. Send to finaid@saintmarys.edu
  • Fax to 574.284.4818
  • Postal mail – send to Office of Financial Aid, 141 Le Mans Hall, Notre Dame, IN  46556
  • Upload using this link. 

Want to be sure you have completed a step?  Check the status of your aid online.

Next Step Guidelines

Below is a general timeline for both new and returning students

New students

+Step 1 (Complete as soon as possible, by March 1)

1. Apply for Admission

2. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available beginning in December 2023.

  • Complete the FAFSA Between mid-December and March 1st
  • Saint Mary's code is 001836.

+Step 2 (Complete by April 1)

Receive the Financial Aid award letter.

  • If the application has been selected for a verification review (see below) the offer will be an estimate of eligibility. A final award letter will be sent once the verification process has been completed.

If requested by Financial Aid, submit the following verification documents no later than April 1:

  • Official tax data from the IRS for both the student and parent(s). There are two ways to get this to us.  Either request Tax Transcripts from the IRS (for both student and parent(s)), or correct the FAFSA by logging back into www.studentaid.gov and transfering data from the IRS tax returns to the FAFSA.
  • Copies of all W2s (or K-1's, Schedule C) for the student and parent(s).
  • Verification Statements.
  • Log into PRISM to learn what documents have been requested from you. After logging into PRISM, go to the "Financial Aid" tab and then click on "Student Requirements" 

+Step 3 (Complete by August 1)

1. Complete the next steps for Direct and Parent PLUS Loans after May 1st but before July 15th, if applicable​. 

For Federal Direct Student Loans:

  • Log on to PRISM and accept Federal Direct Student Loans
  • Log in to studentaid.gov and complete the Entrance Counseling
  • Log in to studentaid.gov and complete the Loan Agreement for Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loan (MPN) 
  • Log in to studentaid.gov and complete the Annual Student Loan Acknowledgement 

For Parent PLUS loans:

  • Log in to studentaid.gov, complete the application and submit
  • Log in to studentaid.gov and complete the Loan Agreement for Parent PLUS Loan (MPN)
  • Log in to studentaid.gov and complete the Annual Student Loan Acknowledgement 

2. Notify the Financial Aid Office of any other aid the student will receive, if applicable

3. The student will receive the bill for fall semester in July via email to her SMC email account.

  • Make payment arrangements for any remaining balance.
  • Note: This bill is for the fall semester only and does not incorporate spring charges/aid.

4. If needed, sign up for the payment plan by August 1. It is to your advantage to complete paperwork for all loans and aid (e.g., 529 plans, etc.) before signing up for a payment plan. 

+Step 4 (Complete by August 1)

Take steps to secure student employment starting August 1

Available job positions are posted on Handshake on August 1. Job postings continue to be updated throughout the year.  To access Handshake you will need to activate your account by logging in using your Saint Mary’s email address, then follow the prompt/instructions to create a password.    

Once logged into Handshake you will be able to view all the on-campus job opportunities. For your convenience, here is a step-by-step guide on Finding Campus Student Employment on Handshake.

IMPORTANT: If you plan to work on campus, you will need to have certain original documents to complete payroll/employment information. Please review the acceptable documents listed on the I-9 form. 

+Step 5 (Complete by December 31)

Receive the bill for spring semester in December.

  • Make payment arrangements for any balance by January 1.

Returning Students

+Step 1 (Complete as soon as possible, by March 1)

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available beginning in December 2023.

  • Complete the FAFSA between mid-December and March 1st.
  • Saint Mary's code is 001836.

+Step 2 (Complete by April 1)

If requested by Financial Aid, submit the following verification documents no later than April 1:

  • Official tax data from the IRS for both the student and parent(s). There are two ways to get this to us.  Either request Tax Transcripts from the IRS (for both student and parent(s)), or correct the FAFSA by logging back into studentaid.gov and transfering data from the IRS tax returns to the FAFSA.
  • Copies of all W2s (or K-1's, Schedule C) for the student and parent(s).
  • Verification Statements
  • Log into PRISM to learn what documents have been requested from you.

+Step 3 (Complete by August 1)

1. Award letters will be sent beginning in April.

2. Log into PRISM to accept or decline the Federal Student Loans and/or Federal Work Study by August 1.

If you were awarded an endowed scholarship, submit thank you letters to the Financial Aid Office by August 1. 

3. If needed, parent should apply for Direct Parent PLUS Loans after May 1st but before August 1st.

4. Notify the Financial Aid Office of any other aid the student will receive, if applicable.

5. The student will receive the bill for fall semester in July via email to her SMC email account.

  • Make payment arrangements for any remaining balance.
  • Note: This bill is for the fall semester only and does not incorporate spring charges/aid.

6. If needed, sign up for the payment plan by August 15. It is to your advantage to complete paperwork for all loans and aid (e.g., 529 plans) before signing up for the payment plan.

+Step 4 (Complete by August 30)

Take steps to secure student employment starting August 1

Available job positions are posted on Handshake on August 1. Job postings continue to be updated throughout the year.  To access Handshake you will need to activate your account by logging in using your Saint Mary’s email address, then follow the prompt/instructions to create a password.    

Once logged into Handshake you will be able to view all the on-campus job opportunities. For your convenience, here is a step-by-step guide on Finding Campus Student Employment on Handshake.

IMPORTANT: If you plan to work on campus, you will need to have certain original documents to complete payroll/employment information. Please review the acceptable documents listed on the I-9 form. 

+Step 5 (Complete by December 31)

Receive the bill for spring semester in December.

  • Make payment arrangements for any balance by January 1.

International Students

+Step 1 (Complete as soon as possible, by March 1)

1. Apply for Admission

2. Download and submit the Certification of Finances.

+Step 2 (Complete by May 1)

1. Receive the admission decision along with the financial aid notification

2. Submit the $400 enrollment deposit

3. Receive Form I-20 (Certification of Eligibility) from Saint Mary’s College so you can begin applying for a visa

+Step 3 (Complete by August 1)

If needed, sign up for the payment plan in August

The student will receive the bill for fall semester in July via email to her SMC email account

  • Make payment arrangements for any remaining balance.
  • Note: This bill is for the fall semester only and does not incorporate spring charges/aid

+Step 4 (Complete by August 30)

Take steps to secure student employment starting August 1

Available job positions are posted on Handshake on August 1. Job postings continue to be updated throughout the year.  To access Handshake you will need to activate your account by logging in using your Saint Mary’s email address, then follow the prompt/instructions to create a password.    

Once logged into Handshake you will be able to view all the on-campus job opportunities. For your convenience, here is a step-by-step guide on Finding Campus Student Employment on Handshake.

+Step 5 (Complete by December 31)

Receive the bill for spring semester in December.

  • Make payment arrangements for any balance by January 1.

Saint Mary's is committed to using the Principles & Standards of the College Cost Transparency Initiative in its student financial offer.