FAFSA

FAFSA Information for Seniors & Families

✅ What is FAFSA?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form students complete to be considered for:

• Federal grants, loans, and work-study programs

• State financial aid (Iowa programs)

• Financial aid and scholarships from many colleges/universities

It’s the gateway to most forms of financial aid — even if you don’t think you’ll qualify, you should still complete it!

📅 Important Dates

• Opens: October 1st

• Priority Deadlines: Many colleges have their own FAFSA deadlines (often as early as February/March).
  
  👉 Tip: File the FAFSA as soon as it opens to maximize aid eligibility.

Create Your StudentAid.gov (FSA) IDs NOW!

• Both the student and one parent must create their own StudentAid.gov account (FSA ID). This acts as your legal electronic signature for the FAFSA Federal Student Aid. 

  • You cannot complete the FAFSA application until both the student and parent FSA IDs have been created and approved ~typically takes up to 5 business days

  • Not sure which parent(s) information needs to be included? Click here for help!

• Be sure each person uses their own email and personal information—sharing accounts will cause errors or delays Federal Student Aid.

• If you as a parent have already created a studentaid.gov account (e.g. you recently had another 12th grade student), you do not need to create a NEW one. It is attached to your SSN and birthdate.  

📝 What You’ll Need to File

• Student Social Security Number 

• Parent Social Security Number 

If a parent does not have a Social Security Number, a student can still apply for FAFSA. More information can be found here. 

• Parent and student 2024 tax information (W-2s, 1040s)

  • Most students/parents will find that the FAFSA form automatically pulls in tax information. Still just a good idea to have access to these documents available.

• Records of untaxed income, savings, and investments

• FSA ID (username/password) for both student and parent

💡 Tips for Success

• File early → aid is often “first come, first served.”

• Double-check deadlines for each college. Apply by the earliest deadline set by the college that your student is interested in applying to. 

• Both student and parent must sign with their own FSA ID.

• Attend FAFSA completion events hosted by DCG or ICAN for additional help.

📞 Need Help?

• ICAN (Iowa College Access Network): Free appointments for FAFSA help → icansucceed.org 

• DCG Counseling Office: Reach out if you’d like assistance or resources.