Financial Aid
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form completed by current and prospective college students in the United States to determine their eligibility for student financial aid. To apply for federal student aid, such as federal grants, work-study, and loans, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
At DHS, we will hold a Financial Aid night in the fall of each year and representatives from universities and technical colleges will be on-hand to present information and answer your questions. The FAFSA can be filled as early as October 1st of your senior year.
Feeling overwhelmed?
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Contact Ms. Brunson
Contact the financial aid office of the university or technical college you plan to attend for assistance!
We promise - it does not have to be stressful.
Helpful Resources:
College Goal Wisconsin FAFSA Completion Events Schedule
Get help completing the FAFSA with FAFSA Assistant Chatbot
FAFSA Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Q: Does a one-time spike in income have a negative impact on future FAFSA applications?
A: Every year, the FAFSA looks at different income tax information. The 22-23 FAFSA uses 2020 income, 23-24 will use 2021 income, etc. Income in a prior (or future) year won’t impact the student’s financial aid eligibility for the academic year. The eligibility formula assumes the prior year’s income is a good predictor of a student and their family’s ability to pay for college in that school year. That said, we fully recognize there are reasons where a student or parent’s income on the FAFSA is no longer an accurate reflection of their current financial situation. On a case-by-case basis with proper documentation, Financial Aid administrators have the discretion to adjust the data elements on the FAFSA to provide a more accurate assessment of a student’s family’s ability to contribute to the cost of education. Situations that may merit these adjustments include, but are not limited to:
Loss or change of employment (including retirement)
Loss or change in the amount of child support, Social Security, or other benefits
Divorce or separation
Death of parent(s) or spouse
To be filed only if initial FAFSA data included deceased parent (or student’s spouse) in income or household
One-time taxable income (IRA, pension distribution, back-year Social Security payments)
In a situation like this, we would encourage them to complete the FAFSA and then reach out to the colleges they are looking to attend, explain their situation and ask if are able to adjust the FAFSA to be a more accurate reflection of their current financial situation.
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