FAFSA
FAFSA SchooLinks Video.mp4Link your FAFSA to SchooLinks
Shown on October 21, 2022 to all Englsih IV classes.
Seniors: FAFSA opens on October 1st!
***Do not use your school email for the FSA ID! You will lose access to your email at the end of the school year.***
***Make sure to choose the 2023-2024 FAFSA when you begin your application***
What is FAFSA?
The FAFSA, officially known as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is the form that families fill out to apply for federal grants, loans, and work-study funds for college students.
Who’s eligible to receive financial aid?
U.S. Citizens and U.S. Permanent Residents
When does FAFSA open?
October 1st
Important Note: The FAFSA priority deadline is January 15th! This is significantly earlier than previous years
What is an FSA ID?
Students, parents, and borrowers are required to use an FSA ID, made up of a username and password, to access certain U.S. Department of Education websites. Your FSA ID is used to confirm your identity when accessing your financial aid information and electronically signing your federal student aid documents.
https://fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm
To fill out the 2023-2024 Free Application for Federal Student Aid go to the following website:
https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
Financial Aid Nights will be every Wednesday from 4pm - 6pm in the college & career center for students who RSVP
You need the following items to complete your FAFSA application:
Student and Parent FSA IDs
Student and Parent(s) Social Security Number
Student and Parent(s) W-2 forms
Student's license number if you have one
Student's Alien Registration Number if you are a U.S. permanent resident
Student's 2021 Tax Return (1040 Form—if filed)
Parent(s) Birthday
Parent(s) Marriage or Divorce Date
Parent(s) 2021Tax Return (1040 Form)
Records of untaxed income for yourself and parents such as: child support, disability and veterans non-educational benefits
Information on savings, investments, business and farm assets for yourself and parent(s) if applicable
What if I get selected for verification?
What are the different types of aid?
Grants
Grants are a type of financial aid that does not have to be repaid. Offered by the federal and state government, as well as by some institutions, grants may be merit-based, need-based or student-specific.
Pell grants are usually awarded to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor’s degree or professional degree. The amount of aid you receive depends on your financial need, the school’s cost of attendance, your status as a full-time or part-time student, and your plans to attend school for a full academic year or less.
The maximum Federal Pell Grant award is $6,345.
Scholarships
Like grants, scholarships do not require repayment. They are typically offered by individual institutions and private organizations and can be awarded based on a number of factors, such as academic performance, athletic ability, religious affiliation, and race, among others. In order to apply for a scholarship, you will often be asked to write an essay.
Loans
Subsidized and unsubsidized loans are federal student loans for eligible students to help cover the cost of higher education at a four-year college or university, community college, or trade, career, or technical school. The U.S. Department of Education offers eligible students at participating schools Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans.
Subsidized Loans– Subsidized student loans are available for students who have demonstrated financial need. They have slightly better terms than unsubsidized student loans, because the US Department of Education pays your interest while you are in school and for a six month grace period after you graduate.
Unsubsidized Loans– Unsubsidized loans are available to students regardless of financial need. Students are responsible for repaying interest during all periods.
Work Study
A work-study program is a work program where you can earn money that helps you pay for school. Work-study programs provide students with federally funded jobs on campus or at other approved locations. The campus facilities at many colleges and universities, including the student center, career center, athletic department, and residence halls, employ work-study students. However, the positions available and the pay offered vary widely.
Parent PLUS Loan
The Parent PLUS Loan is a federal student loan available to the parents of dependent undergraduate students. The Parent PLUS Loan offers a fixed interest rate and flexible loan limits. To be eligible, a parent can’t have an adverse credit history.
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
Students who fall under this category are automatically classified as independent for the purposes of FAFSA. Students receive full Federal Pell Grant of $6,195.
FAFSA4caster
An early estimator tool that provides students with more specific financial aid information earlier in the process. FAFSA4caster will take your data and estimate your eligibility for aid so that you can have this information when you are making decisions about college.
link: FAFSA4caster