Financial Assistance Application
Oakwood uses a confidential financial assistance application processing service called FAST - Financial Aid for School Tuition. Based on the financial assistance information you provide, FAST will calculate an estimated amount that your family can contribute toward your students' educational expenses. The Financial Assistance Committee reviews the information provided to FAST and will notify the family of the decision on their application.
Completing an application for financial assistance is a time-consuming and challenging process. For many of you, this may be the first time submitting financial assistance forms. We encourage you to start early, take a look at the FAST User Guide (for the Spanish version, click HERE) and compile your financial statements before starting the online application. For a list of questions asked by the FAST program, click the worksheet here. The entire application is completed online. Tax forms and materials can be uploaded to FAST. Do not send your tax returns to the school.
All application materials are kept strictly confidential.
How to Apply for Financial Assistance
Step 1:
Indicate Financial Assistance Interest
On the Oakwood admissions application, indicate that you are applying for financial assistance. Make sure you read and understand the requirements for both processes and submit all information by the deadlines.
Step 2:
Complete the online FAST (Financial Aid for School Tuition) application
The FAST application for the 2022-2023 academic year will be available on October 2. Please click the FAST icon below to start the application.
The application process is self-guided. You may navigate in and out of the program allowing you to partially complete an application and go back to it at another time. Online e-mail and a 24/7 helpline is provided. Please call the FAST helpline (877-326-3278) or e-mail at help@ismfast.com with any questions.
Step 3:
Submit income tax forms and supporting materials to FAST using the Quick Processing wizard within the application
New applicants - submit a copy of your FINAL 2020 Federal and State Income Tax returns and all supporting schedules along with your 2020 W-2s and/or 1099 forms to FAST by January 14, 2022.
New and Returning applicants - submit a copy of your FINAL 2021 Federal and State Income Tax returns and all supporting schedules along with your 2021 W-2s and/or 1099 forms to FAST by February 15, 2022.
Important Note: All documents must be submitted to FAST either by upload, mail or overnight. No documents should be submitted directly to Oakwood.
Deadlines:
New student application: January 14, 2022
The online FAST application must be submitted and 2020 Federal and State Income Tax returns and supporting tax schedules or must be sent to FAST. Note that 2020 tax forms are not required if you submitted them already.
February 15, 2022
Your 2021 Federal and State Income Tax and supporting tax schedules and forms must be sent to FAST by February 15. Send FINAL returns only - no drafts.