FAFSA

Financial Aid Resources

Federal Student Aid
The Department of Education gives away more money than any other institution. Many colleges require this application before they give away money themselves. 

What You Need to Complete Your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

  • Your Social Security number
  • Your driver's license number, if you have one
  • Your W-2 Forms
  • Your federal income tax return
  • Your current bank statements and records of stocks, bonds, and other investments
  • Your records of other untaxed income received, such as Social Security, Temporary Assistant to Needy Families (TANF), welfare or veterans benefits
  • Your business or farm records, if applicable
  • Your alien registration number, if you are not a U.S. citizen

If you are a dependent student, you will also need your parent(s) social security number(s) and your parent(s) income and financial records (as listed above)
 
Use income records for the last calendar year before the academic year for which you are applying for financial aid. For example, use the 2014 income information to complete the 2015-2016 FAFSA.

FAFSA Instructions

Create a FSA ID
An FSA ID is a username and password that gives you access to Federal Student Aid’s online systems and can serve as your legal signature.

To sign your FAFSA electronically, you (and your parent, if you are a dependent student) need a FAFSA ID. If you don't have one, apply now at www.studentaid.gov Your FAFSA will be processed faster if you sign using a FAFSA ID.

Print the Pre-Application checklist from www.studentaid.gov. Some students find it helpful to complete this checklist before completing their online FAFSA.

Save your FAFSA AS YOU GO.

Save your application often using the "Save" button at the bottom of the screen. That way, if you lose your Internet connection, you can return to your FAFSA. NOTE: If you click the "Exit" button, you'll not only close your application, but you'll also erase all the information you entered since the last time you saved it.

Get help.

Because there is FREE help available, you don't have to pay to get assistance filling out your FAFSA. The "Need Help with this Page?" button at the bottom of every online FAFSA page will lead you to information to help you complete that page. The "Help" button at the top of every screen has an index of help topics. In addition, you can chat with a customer service representative directly over the Internet by clicking the "Chat" button. If you still need more help, call 1-800-4-FED-AID.

Submit your application.
Click the "Submit" button located on the last page of the online FAFSA form. You'll be taken to a new page that confirms your submission and gives you a confirmation number.


What You Can Do With Your PIN

  • Sign your FAFSA electronically
  • Review and, if necessary, correct answers on your processed FAFSA
  • Sign loan promissory notes electronically
  • View information about your federal loans and grants
  • Reapply for financial aid in the future
  • Conduct other online business with the U.S. Dept. of Education

Remember, if you are a dependent student, your parents can also electronically sign your FAFSA with their own PINs.


Other Resources

CSS / Financial Aid PROFILE
By filling out one form, you can apply online for nonfederal financial aid from almost 300 colleges and scholarship programs. Colleges and Programs that require CSS PROFILE

Evaluating Financial Aid Award Letters


FAFSA

The Department of Education gives away more money than any other institution. Many colleges require this application before they give away money themselves.

FAFSA Guide
Excellent book to guide you through the process of filling out the FAFSA

Financial Aid Information by the Federal Department of Education
This helpful site is a comprehensive resource on financial aid from the US Department of Education.