What is the FAFSA?
The FAFSA stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and it typically opens up October 1 every year. The FAFSA is the first and most important step in applying to receive financial aid. Not only could you qualify for federal grants, federal work study, and federal loans immediately after applying, you also set yourself up to be considered for financial aid at the state level and at many 2 and 4-year colleges/universities, and even some trade schools! Additionally, many scholarship foundations require you to file your FAFSA in order to be eligible to apply and receive their scholarships.
What you could qualify for:
Pell Grant (up to $6,345)
Federal Work Study
Federal Loans (subsidized, unsubsidized, “Stafford” or “Direct” loan)
Virginia Grants/Scholarships
Institutional Aid
Scholarships
How does the FAFSA help determine my financial aid?
The FAFSA uses three main factors to determine your aid: parent income, family size, and number of family members in college
It calculates a number called the 'Estimated Family Contribution' or EFC which colleges and scholarships use to determine financial need. The lower your EFC, the more financial aid you should qualify for.
What do I need to complete my FAFSA?
FSA ID (username & password for the FAFSA ; you and a parent need one; linked to your SSN) https://fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm
Social Security Number (student and parent, -if parent does not have SSN use 000-00-000)
Permanent Registration (Alien Registration) #, if not a US Citizen
Drivers License Number (student if applicable)
Date of Birth (student and parent),
Date parents were married/separated/divorced/widowed
2019 W-2 Forms (parent/s and student if applicable)
2019 Federal Tax Return, form 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ, for parent and student (you may use 2018 tax return as estimates until 2019 tax return is filed
Emails (parent and student). Students DO NOT USE your PCS email account
Phone Number (parent and student)
Current bank balances for checking and savings accounts (student and parent/s)
Current business and investment information including real estate (do not include family home), trust funds, 529 plans, stocks, bonds, money market accounts and other investment records
This form seems complicated how can I get help filling it out?
For assistance filing your senior's FAFSA in-person:
Sign up for an in-person meeting time during school hours select a time here. If you'd like to schedule a time after school hours please email me at jh9151@ccpsweb.org and we can arrange an in-person meeting time that works for you.
2. For assistance filing your senior's FAFSA in a virtual space (Zoom/Google Meet):
Sign up for a virtual meeting time during school hours select a time here. If you'd like to schedule a time after school hours please email me at jh9151@ccpsweb.org and we can arrange a virtual meeting time that works for you.
**If you have a unique family situation, please contact Ms. Shah or Ms. Jenkins so they can best guide you in completing your FAFSA**