FAFSA/CSS Profile

HOW TO APPLY FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID - FAFSA*:

* Information taken from PHEAA: Pennsylvania Student Aid Guide

1. The FAFSA is changing this year and will hopefully be available starting in DECEMBER of your senior year: Complete the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at FAFSA.ed.gov. The FAFSA is FREE and is required to be considered for most federal, state, and college-based aid.  Be aware of your schools' recommended FAFSA filing deadlines. Make sure to submit your FAFSA on time!

2. Apply for a Personal Identification Number (PIN) at pin.ed.gov. The student will need a PIN and one parent; the student and parent can electronically sign the FAFSA by using their PIN's.  You can apply for the PINs ahead of time or link to the PIN when you complete and sign the FAFSA.

3. In Pennsylvania, your FAFSA information is used for PA State Grant Consideration.  You will also need to complete the State Grant Form which is linked to the FAFSA Confirmation Page. (If you miss the link, you will receive an email notice directing you to the State Grant Form.)

4. After filing the FAFSA, watch your email for your Student Aid Report (SAR).  The SAR summarizes your FAFSA information and provides you an opportunity to make corrections, if necessary.  If you did not provide an email address on the FAFSA, you SAR will be sent by postal mail.

5. DEADLINES: For the PA State Grant, the FAFSA filing deadline is May 1 for students attending colleges, universities and college-transferable programs (excluding community colleges), and for all renewable students.  The deadline of August 1 for first-time students attending community colleges, business, trade, or technical schools, hospital schools of nursing, or 2-year, non-transferable degree programs at a community college, junior, or 4-year college.

6. Submit all other required applications and paperwork for each school to which you are applying.  Make copies and meet each school's individual deadlines.  

7. Continue to search and apply for scholarships through the colleges you are considering and other organizations.