FAFSA Questions
What is the FAFSA?
- The FAFSA is the first step in the financial aid process for college. The financial information you provide on the FAFSA determines how much and which types of financial aid your family is eligible for. You can fill out the FAFSA online at https://www.fafsa.gov. In order to file the FAFSA electronically, you will need a FSA ID for a student and at least one parent to take the place of your signature. You can apply at https://www.studentaid.gov. Please make sure to complete the FAFSA for the next school year, not the current school year.
What information will I need to complete the FAFSA?
- Student’s Social Security Number and parents’ Social Security Numbers
- Student’s Alien Registration Number, if not a U.S. citizen
- Federal tax (prior tax year) information for both a student and parents. (If you have not yet filed your Federal income tax return, you can still submit your FAFSA but you must provide income and tax information).
- Records of untaxed income, such as Social Security benefits, welfare benefits, and veterans benefits for both a student and parents.
- Information on savings, investments, and business and farm assets for both a student and parents.
-List of Colleges student plans to apply to.
When do I need to complete the FAFSA?
- You can complete the FAFSA anytime after the filing period opens in October. Apply as soon as possible. Check with the College's financial aid office for deadlines.
- FAFSA (or the FAFSA Non-Participation) form must be completed by May 1. This is required for graduation.
What happens after I complete the FAFSA?
- Once your FAFSA has been filed, you will receive a summary of the data you reported on the FAFSA and a Student Aid Index(SAI), which is determined by the financial information you provide on the FAFSA.
- The FAFSA office will also send a copy of your SAI to any colleges or universities you listed on your FAFSA. The college or university can then determine what type of financial aid package they can offer you, based on which grants, scholarships, loans and work study programs you are eligible for. You may be asked to submit additional documentation, check your emails and college application portals.
Can I do anything with the FAFSA my junior year?
- Try out the FAFSA Forecaster to get an idea of what your financial aid potential might be: Federal Student Aid estimator at www.studentaid.gov/aid-estimator/