Financial Aid

To watch the 2025-2026 FAFSA presentation go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lNHG6YLX-M 

All men, ages 18-25, are required to register for the selective service.  Failure to register can impact financial aid decisions.  Go to https://www.sss.gov/register/ to register.

Unsure which parent's information to use on the FAFSA?  Go to https://studentaid.gov/fafsa-apply/parents and use the tool provided to ensure a correctly filed FAFSA.

Steps for Filing Your FAFSA

Who needs an FSA ID (username and password FAFSA uses as a signature)

• If both parents are married  and file jointly- then both parents should get an FSA ID (only one may need it)

• If both parents are married and file separately then both parents should get an FSA ID

• If parents are divorced and not remarried then only the parent contributing tax information to the FAFSA need an FSA ID 

  • the parent that contributes more than 50% to raising the child is considered the contributor

• If parents are divorced and remarried then both the parent and step-parent need an FSA ID (only one may need it)  

Steps To Create an FSA ID

Step 1 – Create a FSA ID (username and password) for both the student and parent

• The FSA ID allows you to electronically sign your FAFSA.

• The FSA ID is needed to log into the FAFSA website

• Go to https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch to create your FSA ID

• You will need a current valid email address to create your FSA ID

• All males age 18-25 must also register with the selective service before the FSA can be filed.  Go to www.sss.gov for more information.

• Your parent(s) could possibly already have a FSA ID if you have an older sibling in college.  If they already have a FSA ID they will not need to get a new one, they will use their existing FSA ID for you and your siblings FAFSA. 

• You must give at least 1-3 days to receive your FSA ID before you can start your FAFSA!

• Keep you FSAID written down in a safe place.  You will need it again next year.

• Watch this short video for helping you create your FSA ID  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTb7hMVtzco

Step 2 – Gather the documents needed to file your FAFSA for both parent(s) and student

• Social Security number 

  • • • student will need their SSN and any parent's SSN that will be contributing information to the FAFSA

• Email address for student (not school email) and for any parent that will be contributing information to the FAFSA (must be different email addresses)

• Driver’s License

• 2024 W-2 forms 

• 2024 Federal Income Tax Return

• All un-taxed income records which include Veterans benefits, child support, and worker’s compensation.

• Current savings/checking account statement

• Business, farm or investment records

Step 3 – Complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA on the web

• Student should enter their information on the FAFSA first and then invite their parent(s).

• Check with your school of choice to find out their priority filing deadline.  Each school is different.

• Corrections or re-submissions must be completed before aid will be dispersed to the college of your choice. Make your corrections ASAP!

• Go to https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa and click on "Start Here"

• You can put up to 20 colleges or universities on the FAFSA 

• After submission, allow 1-3 days for Submission Summaries to be made available

• Print out your SAI and FAFSA Submission Summary when available (you might need it for scholarships)

A Few More Things to Know

**The FAFSA is absolutely free.  DO NOT pay to complete or pay someone else to help you complete the FAFSA. Make sure you are using the government (.gov) site and not the commercial (.com) site.**

*** If you are under 24 years of age and have no dependents (children) of your own, you will need to use your parent or parents' information on the FAFSA.  The exceptions to this rule are: emancipation, deceased parents(both), homeless, or in legal guardianship.***

****As always, if you need help, more information, or a computer to fill out your FAFSA contact Mrs. Diana Hammer and set up a time to come ****

FAFSA Resources

https://www.salliemae.com/blog/fafsa-faqs/

https://www.salliemae.com/blog/costly-fafsa-mistakes/

https://www.salliemae.com/blog/tips-to-help-file-fafsa/ 

Still have questions about your particular financial situation or how to file a FAFSA?  Take these steps:

• Visit the FAFSA website at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

• Contact the Financial Aid department at your college or university

• Attend a financial aid workshop 

• Contact Mrs. Hammer for general FAFSA questions