Plan a realistic Budget
The Des Moines University cost of attendance budget is an average of anticipated expenses and is also the maximum students can receive. Students may request any amount of financial aid up to the DMU student budget for their class.
Federal regulations do not allow the financial aid office to certify a student for more than the student budget. This includes all financial aid resources including but not limited to loans, scholarships, NHSC, HPSP (military) and any other form of financial aid a student may be receiving.
Determine what the best available sources are to meet individual expenses.
Apply for Financial Aid
Entrance Interview (First-Time Borrowers)
First-time borrowers need to complete an entrance interview. This is available as part of the financial aid packet on Pulse.
The FAFSA
Next, complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. This must be done each academic year to determine eligibility.
Student Loans
To apply for a Direct Unsubsidized Student Loan, all first-time borrowers or incoming students are required to complete a Loan agreement/Direct Unsubsidized Loan Master Promissory Note. All Direct Unsubsidized loan borrowers are required to complete a DMU Direct Loan Request Form each year available on Pulse. If you are applying for a Direct GradPlus loan, please refer to the financial aid packet on Pulse for information and instructions.
Federal Work Study
Federal Work Study is available on a limited basis with awards ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 depending on the department where students are employed. FWS is need-based aid; therefore, all students interested in FWS must file a FAFSA each year to demonstrate financial need eligibility. Students must be hired by an FWS department to receive an FWS award. All FWS awards will be included as part of the student’s financial aid package and will count as a resource toward the overall cost of attendance budget.
Award Letter
Once financial aid has been processed, an award letter is emailed to your DMU email address. This is notification that the school has approved the amounts listed. If a Direct Grad Plus or an alternative loan was certified, the loan is approved or denied based on credit.