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This Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form
is required for all students who seek consideration for federal
financial aid programs. Before completing, compile all tax
information – for yourself and parents or spouse.
For most federal student aid programs, the FAFSA is the only
form you'll need to file. To receive a Federal Family Education
Loan, (FFEL); Stafford Loan, or a Direct or FFEL Plus Loan,
you'll have to complete additional forms.
Submit the form no sooner than January 1, but as quickly
as possible thereafter. (Aid is distributed first-come, first-serve.)
In about a month, you’ll receive your Student Aid Report
(SAR) which you should check for accuracy. This report will
identify the amount you're expected to contribute toward your
education, also called the Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
At about the same time, the school you plan to attend will
send you a financial aid award letter that will summarize
grants and loans for which you are eligible.
FAFSA
on the Web is a free US Department of Education Web site
where you can complete the FAFSA online and submit it via
the Internet. You can use FAFSA on the Web on a PC or Macintosh
that's equipped with certain versions of Netscape.
FAFSA Express is a free software program that allows you
to apply for federal student aid from your home computer for
from a computer at a central location such as a school, public
library, or location Educational Opportunity Center that uses
FAFSA Express. FAFSA Express is only available for PCs running
Windows® and a modem.
Filing the FAFSA
- Ask your high school guidance office or call 1.800.433.3243
for a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in
late fall, or visit FAFSA
on the Web.
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Complete the FAFSA. Be sure to include both student and
parent signatures and to list all colleges you're interested
in applying to for financial aid.
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Mail your completed form as soon after January 1 as possible.
Financial aid is generally awarded on a first-come, first-served
basis, so don't put it off.
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In about four weeks, you'll receive the FAFSA results
or Student Aid Report (SAR). The colleges you listed on
the FAFSA will receive the same results.
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The college financial aid offices will use the results
to calculate your financial aid package.
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You should begin receiving college financial aid award
letters summarizing your financial aid package after all
the paperwork is complete and you've been accepted for
admission.
FAFSA Facts
The US Department of Education allows students to complete
the FAFSA electronically. Check with your guidance counselor
for more information.
Independent vs. Dependent: A dependent student is defined
as 23 years old or younger who has access to parental support.
A student is considered independent if (s)he is one of the
following:
- 24 years old or older
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married
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a graduate or professional student
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someone with legal dependents other than a spouse
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an orphan or ward of the court
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a veteran of the armed services
Verification - Many applicants are selected for "verification,"
or validation of the information provided on the FAFSA. Immediately
respond to all requests to avoid application delays.
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