FAFSA
To apply for federal student aid, such as federal grants, work-study, and loans, students need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). Completing and submitting the FAFSA is free and easier than ever, and it gives you access to the largest source of financial aid to pay for college or career school.
In addition, many states and colleges use your FAFSA information to determine your eligibility for state and school aid, and some private financial aid providers may use your FAFSA information to determine whether you qualify for their aid.
Financial Aid Process
Step 1: Create an FSA ID
An FSA ID is a secure username and password used to create an account with Federal Student Aid and electronically sign and submit the FAFSA. It is very important to complete this step prior to starting the FAFSA, as it will take the Social Security Administration 1-3 business days to verify your FSA ID before you can use it to submit your FAFSA.
Who needs to create an FSA ID?
All contributors to a student's FAFSA must have an FSA ID. Contributors include:
Student
Student's spouse
Biological parent(s)
Adoptive parent(s)
Stepparent(s)
What information do I need to create an FSA ID?
Each student and contributor will need their own unique FSA ID. Students, parents and/or siblings CANNOT share the same FSA ID.
Students and parents creating an FSA ID will need the following items:
Social security number
Students without a social security number are not eligible to create an FSA ID or complete a FAFSA. These students are recomemnded to complete an Alternative Application.
Parents without a social security number can still create an FSA ID. Instead of entering a social security number, they will be prompted to confirm their identity by verifying personal information, such as previous addresses or employers.
Access to cell phone
Access to personal email address (NOT your Reavis email address)
*Parents who have already created an FSA ID for themselves or another child SHOULD NOT create another FSA ID. You may need to user the "Forgot My Username" or "Forgot My Password" links to recover your information.
Step 2: Gather the information you'll need to complete the FAFSA.
2022 federal tax returns
2022 W2 forms
Records of other money earned (if applicable)
Social Security number (if you have one)
Alien Registration number (if you are not a U.S. citizen)
Step 3: Complete the FAFSA
The FAFSA should take approimately 45-60 minutes to complete (coming soon)!
FAFSA Gradution Requirement
State law requires all Illinois public high school seniors to complete either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid (Alternative Application) as a prerequisite to receiving a high school diploma. For students who choose not to file an application, a FAFSA Nonparticipation Form may be signed by a parent or guardian.
Federal Student Aid Resources
Federal Student Aid publishes several short, helpful videos on their YouTube channel to walk families through the process.