Free Application for Federal Student Aid
(FAFSA)

Starting in the fall of your high school senior year, complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is available to complete online (preferred method) or in paper format. You must submit this form in order to be considered for all federal financial aid programs, most institutional programs, and most state programs, including scholarships.

For specific instructions or individualized questions on how to complete the FAFSA, visit the Filling Out the FAFSA page.

For a visual walkthrough of the FAFSA, Click Here.

If you file your FAFSA online you’ll receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) within one to two weeks after submission. If you filed a paper FAFSA, you will receive a SAR within four to six weeks. 

• • • Review your SAR carefully and follow the instructions provided. If you need a duplicate SAR, or need to check the status of your application, call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 800.4FEDAID or 319.337.5665. You can also check the status of your FAFSA online

Remember, the published cost of a college does not represent the true cost. What really matters to the student is the amount the student will pay. Use the "Net Price Calculator" tool on college websites.