What is the FAFSA?
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is how students apply for both federal and state financial aid for higher education. This application must be completed each year a student wants to receive aid towards their education. The application opens on October 1st of each year.
What documents will I need to submit my FAFSA?
Social Security number
Parent's Social Security numbers
Federal tax information or tax returns
For a more extensive list of what is required, click here
Steps to complete your FAFSA
**Students do not pay to complete the FAFSA, it is the FREE Application for Federal Student Aid**
Create your FSA ID at www.studentaid.gov
a. Use a personal email address, not your school issued one!
Have your parent/legal guardian create their FSA ID
a. You and your parent/legal guardian must use separate email addresses to keep the two FSA IDs separate.
Check your email for the verification from FAFSA that your account has successfully been created.
Log in to your FAFSA account and follow the prompts to file your FAFSA. Once this is completed, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR).
Colleges will receive your FAFSA and follow up if any additional documents are needed.
Refer to your Funding Your Education: The Guide to Federal Student Aid for information about financial aid as you work through the FAFSA process
Make informed decisions about student loans. The following resources are important at this point: "Federal Versus Private Loans" and "Your Federal Student Loans: Learn the Basics and Manage Your Debt,"