Student Timeline

The following is meant to serve an a general guide for topics to consider year by year. Some students many find that they are exploring topics a year earlier or a year later and that's okay! While no means exhaustive, we hope it will serve as a useful starting point and reference for Radford students looking to better their financial wellness. 

Incoming Students 

  • Be sure to file your FAFSA and list Radford University as a recipient using the code 003732. Our priority deadline for the FAFSA is February 1; however, we will continue to review completed FAFSAs after the priority deadline. 
  • Keep an eye on your email for outstanding requests from the Office of Financial Aid.
  • Review and accept your aid through the OneCampus. 
  • Consider a payment plan for your university bill and/or listed authorized payers for your university bill.  

Freshman Year

  • Consider creating a budget for day-to-day expenses.
  • Work with your Academic Advisor to make sure you are enrolled in an appropriate number of classes to keep you on track in your major. 
  • Be sure to renew your FAFSA by the February 1 priority deadline. 
  • Consider an on-campus job to help with expenses. 

Sophomore Year

  • Has something changed in your life since you filed the FAFSA? You may benefit from a special circumstances review in our Office of Financial Aid. 
  • Visit our Center for Career and Talent Development to start exploring career and internship options. 
  • Review tips for establishing good credit. 
  • Check out foundation scholarship opportunities at Radford University. Many are set aside for current students based on academic performance and major. 

Junior Year

  • Weigh your budgetary needs for off-campus housing options versus on-campus options.
  • Make sure you're aware of how academic changes might impact your financial aid. 

Senior Year

  • Thinking about graduate school? There's lots of ways to help defray the cost. 
  • Work with your Career Counselor to find and review job opportunities and offers in your field. 
  • Consider cost of living and invesment options in your job search process. 
  • Know your repayment options when it comes to student loans.