No, but you must be admitted before you can receive your award letter or the aid. The Office of Student Financial Services establishes your total payment package. After you have received all the financial aid, grants, and scholarships available from the Financial Aid and Enrollment Services offices, you will receive financial clearance and establish a payment plan with Student Financial Services.
Deadlines are critical.
March 2 is the priority deadline. Contact your student financial services counselor if you have any questions. Many times after students and parents have committed all they can financially, it still doesn't cover the difference between the cost and the available funding. This is where the Federal PLUS or Unsubsidized Stafford loan comes in. These loans will probably make up the difference.