FAFSA
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
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FAFSA Application for the 2026-2027 academic school will year open on October 1st, 2025
What is FAFSA?
What is FAFSA?
What changes have been made?
What changes have been made?
Who is a contributor?
Who is a contributor?
Why do contributors need their own accounts?
Why do contributors need their own accounts?
Providing consent and approval
Providing consent and approval
How to create an FSA ID
How to create an FSA ID
Prepare FAFSA Form Contributors
Prepare FAFSA Form Contributors
Information needed to complete FAFSA
Information needed to complete FAFSA
What is an FSA ID, and will I need it to complete the FAFSA® form?
What is an FSA ID, and will I need it to complete the FAFSA® form?
The FSA ID allows students and parents to identify themselves electronically to access Federal Student Aid websites.
An FSA ID is made up of a username and password and can be used to log into the online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form.
While you aren’t required to have an FSA ID to complete and submit a FAFSA form, it’s the fastest way to sign your application and have it processed. It’s also the only way to access or correct your information online, or to prefill an online FAFSA form with information from your previous year’s FAFSA form.
If you don't already have an FSA ID, you can create an FSA ID.
If you have an FSA ID but don't remember your username, select "Forgot Username."
If you have an FSA ID but don't remember your password, select "Forgot Password."
Parents: If you previously created an FSA ID when you were a student, you don’t need to create another one. You can only have one FSA ID linked to your Social Security number.
*Both the student AND any Contributor(s) need to create an FSA-ID. If your contributor(s) has already created one for themselves in the past they do not need to create a new one. If you are considered an independent student you do not need a parent to create an FSA ID.*
*Please be sure to apply for the 2026-2027 academic school year*
*Please be sure to apply for the 2026-2027 academic school year*
Step Three: Understanding and accepting your Financial Aid Package
Step Three: Understanding and accepting your Financial Aid Package
How is a financial aid package determined?
How is a financial aid package determined?
Financial aid packages are based on a schools total cost of attendance - COA (tuition, room and board, mandatory fees, estimated cost of transportation, books and personal expenses). The school will review your submitted FAFSA application and evaluate your financial need based on their total cost of attendance and subtract your Student Aid Index. The Student Aid Index (SAI) is an eligibility index number that a college's or career school's financial aid office uses to determine how much federal student aid the student would receive if the student attended the school. This number results from the information that the student provides in their FAFSA® form.
*Seniors can expect financial aid packages in the spring of 2026 from the colleges they were accepted to and who they included as schools to send their FAFSA application to when filing FAFSA.*
*Seniors can expect financial aid packages in the spring of 2026 from the colleges they were accepted to and who they included as schools to send their FAFSA application to when filing FAFSA.*
Financial Aid Packages are comprised of:
Financial Aid Packages are comprised of:
Gift Aid - You do NOT need to pay back gift aid. Gift aid is given in the forms of grants and scholarships to students.
Student Loans - You DO need to pay loans back PLUS interest. Remember that financial aid does not always mean free money. It closes the gap of how you will pay for the cost of attendance that the expected family contribution wont cover.
Parent PLUS loans- DO NOT TAKE THESE. This is a loan that your parent can take out from the government if their credit allows. It is very high in interest and in the monthly repayments. This loan is not in the student's name and cannot be later transferred to the student.
Work Study - Schools will offer a certain amount of money for work study in a given year to help you cover personal and transportation expenses (remember that those expenses come up through out the school year). Work study is a job on campus and you will receive the work study checks usually bi-weekly (Just as you would in a regular job).
How Financial Aid Works
How Financial Aid Works
*All of the links below will direct you to the student aid government website.*
01 Start Planning Early
01 Start Planning Early
Plan how to pay for college before you start. Ask school counselors and the college financial aid office about state, college, and nonprofit grants and scholarships you can apply for. Be sure to meet application deadlines. Start saving before you get to college. Consider prepaid tuition and education savings (529) plans.
02 Fill Out the FAFSA® Form
02 Fill Out the FAFSA® Form
Before each year of college, apply for federal grants, work-study, and loans with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form. Your college uses your FAFSA data to determine your federal aid eligibility. Many states and colleges use FAFSA data to award their own aid. After submission, you’ll receive your Student Aid Report.
Reviewing Your Student Aid Report
03 Review Your Aid Offer
03 Review Your Aid Offer
Your aid offer explains the types and amounts of aid a college is offering you, and your expected costs for the year. If you’ve been accepted to multiple colleges, compare the costs and aid offers. Accept the aid from the school that's best for you and inform them of other sources of aid (such as scholarships) you expect to receive.
04 Get Your Aid
04 Get Your Aid
Time to go to school! Your financial aid office will apply your aid to the amount you owe your school and send you the remaining balance to spend on other college costs. One of the requirements to maintain financial aid eligibility is that you must make satisfactory academic progress. And don’t forget to complete a FAFSA® form each year!
05 Graduate and Start Repayment
05 Graduate and Start Repayment
As you prepare to graduate, get ready to repay your student loans. Good news! Federal student loan borrowers have a six-month grace period before you begin making payments. Use this time to get organized and choose a repayment plan. If you start falling behind on your payments, contact your loan servicer to discuss repayment options.
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