what to expect
How to Apply for Financial Aid
Important Financial Aid Dates
Our FAFSA Priority Date is April 1, 2026 for 2026-2027 academic year. The priority date is not a cutoff date for FAFSA submission but instead gives students the priority to receive funds they are eligible for that have limited funding. The 2025-2026 FAFSA form is still available and is applicable to the Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026 semesters.
Foundation scholarship applications for the 2026-2027 academic year opens January 1, 2026 and closes March 31, 2026.
Applying for Financial Aid
To apply for Federal Financial Aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Access the FAFSA at studentaid.gov using your FSA ID to sign in to the website.
Lake Area Tech’s Financial Aid code is 005309.
Lake Area Tech does not make a Financial Aid Offer until you have been accepted for admission. Please make sure the Admissions Office has all of the required paperwork and that you have taken any required admission tests.
Eligibility Requirements
- Student must be a U.S. Citizen or Eligible Non-Citizen
- Student must be admitted to LATC in a qualified degree or certificate program
- Student must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as defined by LATC. The SAP policy can be found below.
- Student must maintain their federal student loan repayment and not have defaulted on the repayment.
- Student must not owe an overpayment of a federal loan or grant.
Complete the FAFSA
- The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) may be filed beginning Oct. 1 each year.
- Applications submitted before April 1st are given priority consideration for federal supplemental grants and federal work-study.
- The FAFSA will determine your dependency status. If you’re classified as dependent, you’ll need to provide information from your parents/contributors.
- Take your time and read all instructions. If you need assistance do not hesitate to contact the Lake Area Technical College Financial Aid Office.
- Provide consent in your application to use the FTI/FADDX tool, as it provides a quick and easy way to enter tax data and is a requirement to process the FAFSA form.
- Submit your FAFSA, then save a copy of your submitted information for your records.
Department of Education Videos
The Department of Education offers a variety of videos on the FSA ID, the FAFSA, and related financial aid topics. Check out these videos below:
How do I create my FSA ID?
What do I do if I forgot my FSA ID username & password?
What is the FAFSA form?
How do I fill out the FAFSA form?
How do I determine my dependency status?
After the FAFSA: What Happens Next?
FAFSA & FSA ID Tips for Parents
Take a moment to review the following policies that may affect your financial aid:
The Verification process may select a students FAFSA form for additional information to be provided by the student within a restricted timeframe. This process may adjust your eligibility and Federal Financial Aid offers. Student’s selected will be contacted by the Financial Aid office via mail and will be notified by mail should these procedures result in an adjustment to the student’s SAI (student aid index) calculation.
Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is reviewed at the end of each billing period (each semester) for all students. The student’s transcripts are reviewed for each SAP requirement to maintain financial aid eligibility. Students who do not meet the standard after 1 semester will be placed on academic warning; failure to meet the standard the following semester will result in academic suspension and will require a SAP appeal with the SAP Committee.