Financial Aid (FAFSA)
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can seem overwhelming and intimidating. However, it does not have to be! Read the Q&A's below and check out the infographics at the bottom of the page to learn more about FAFSA and how to fill it out.
School Counselor Comment: If you need any help filling out the FAFSA or have any questions about it, please come see me! - Alisha Hillukka
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Financial Aid q&a's
What is FAFSA and what is it used for?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form you need to fill out to get any financial aid from the federal government to help pay for college. Lots of states and colleges also use the FAFSA to determine which students get financial aid—and how much they’ll get.
Do I have to fill out the FAFSA?
No you do not, but it is very much encouraged as you can receive FREE money (grants). Many scholarships may require that you fill it out as well!
What documents do I need to fill out the FAFSA?
Student Social Security Number
Parent(s) social security number if you are a dependent student
Student's driver's license number if applicable
Federal tax information for student and student's parents if you are a dependent student
Other financial holdings such as saving accounts or investments
How soon should I fill out the FAFSA?
The sooner you fill out the FAFSA, the better. FAFSA for the 2022-2023 college school year opens October 1, 2021. There's no harm in applying, and on average, it only takes 23 minutes to fill out the FAFSA.
Do I need to submit the FAFSA every year that I attend college?
Yes, you will need to submit the FAFSA every year to remain eligible for federal student aid. After filling it out the first time, you can submit a renewal FAFSA in subsequent years. The website will automatically fill in most of your information from the previous year.
You just need to double-check that everything is still correct. You can also start from the beginning if you need to make significant changes.
How do I know if I am a dependent or an independent student?
Every student's situation is unique and your school counselor can help. If you think you may an independent student, please contact Alisha. The link to the left titled "FAFSA for Students with Non-Traditional Needs" may also be helpful.
What if I can't provide my parents' information due to special circumstances?
In situations such as the ones below, you may be able to submit your FAFSA form without parent information despite being considered a dependent student:
Your parents are incarcerated.
You have left home due to an abusive family environment.
You do not know where your parents are and are unable to contact them (and you have not been adopted).
You are older than 21 but not yet 24, are unaccompanied, and are either homeless or self-supporting and at risk of being homeless.
If you are filling out the FAFSA form online or on the myStudentAid app, you will be asked whether you are able to provide information about your parents. If you are not, you will have the option to indicate that you have special circumstances that make you unable to get your parents’ information. You will then be able to submit your application without entering data about your parents.
However, it is important for you to understand the following:
Although your FAFSA form will be submitted, it will not be fully processed. You will not receive an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and must immediately contact the financial aid office at the college or career school you plan to attend.
The financial aid staff may ask for additional information to determine whether you can be considered independent and have an EFC calculated without parent data. Gather as much written evidence of your situation as you can. Written evidence may include court or law enforcement documents; letters from a clergy member, school counselor or social worker; and/or any other relevant data that explains your special circumstance.
The financial aid office’s decision about your dependency status is final and cannot be appealed to the U.S. Department of Education.
For more questions and answers to all of your FAFSA needs, check out these links:
