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Financial Aid

You can fill out the FAFSA by visiting the FAFSA website at www.fafsa.ed.gov but before you do so, please read the information below.

General Information about FAFSA (Provided by www.fafsa.ed.gov)

Tips For Getting Aid Without Delay!

Financial aid administrators and guidance counselors from around the country agree that the following tips speed up the application process.

Important: Read the instructions!
Many questions on the FAFSA are straightforward, like your Social Security Number. But many questions are asked specifically for purposes of student financial aid. Common words like "household," "investments," and even "parent" may have special meaning. Read all instructions carefully.

Apply Early!

State and school deadlines will vary and tend to be early. Check with them to find out their exact deadline dates. Federal Student Aid will process your FAFSA if it is received on or before the deadline. However, in order for you to actually receive aid, your school must have correct, complete FAFSA information before your last day of enrollment. Apply as early as possible beginning October 1st

Save Time: File Electronically!
Complete and submit your FAFSA online. It is the fastest and most accurate way to apply for student aid.

Ask: Do I Need Additional Forms?
Many schools and states rely on the FAFSA as the single application for student aid. However, it would be wise to check with your state agency and the financial aid office at the school that you plan to attend to find out if they require additional forms.

Why fill out a FAFSA?

The (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), or FAFSA, is the first step in the financial aid process. Use it to apply for federal student financial aid, such as the Pell Grant, student loans, and college work-study. In addition, most states and schools use FAFSA information to award their financial aid.

Why all the questions?

We enter your FAFSA responses into a formula (known as the Federal Methodology), which is regulated by the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended. The result is your Expected Family Contribution, or EFC. The EFC is a preliminary estimate that measures your family´s financial strength. It is subtracted from the Cost of Attendance at the school(s) you plan to attend to determine your eligibility for federal student aid.

How do I find out what my EFC is?

We will send you a report, called a Student Aid Report (SAR) by e-mail or by postal mail depending on the addresses that we have on file for you. The SAR lists the information you reported on your FAFSA. At the upper right of the front page of the SAR, you will find a number called the EFC.

How much aid do I get?

Schools use your EFC to prepare a financial aid package (grants, loans, and/or work-study) to help you meet your financial need. Financial need is the difference between your EFC and your school´s cost of attendance (which can include living expenses).

TIP: If you or your family have unusual circumstances that affect your financial situation, contact your school´s financial aid office. Some examples include: unusual medical expenses, or a large change in income from last year to this year.

When do I get the aid?

Your financial aid will be paid to you through your school. Typically, your school will first use the aid to pay tuition, fees, and room and board (if provided by the school). Any remaining aid is given to you for your other expenses.

Where can I get more information about student aid?

The financial aid office at the school you plan to attend is the best place to get information about federal, state, school and other sources of student financial aid.

You can also check out these resources:

Information about other nonfederal assistance may be available from foundations, religious organizations, community organizations, and civic groups, as well as organizations related to your field of interest, such as the American Medical Association or American Bar Association. Check with your parents’ employers or unions to see if they award scholarships or have tuition payment plans.

Warning!

Be wary of organizations that charge a fee to submit your application or to find you money for school. Some are legitimate and some are scams. Generally, any help that you pay for can be received free from your school or Federal Student Aid.

Before Filling out FAFSA

Time Saving Suggestions:
  1. Gather the documents needed. Start with your Social Security Number, driver’s license, income tax returns, bank statements, and investment records.
  2. Print a FAFSA on the Web Worksheet found on the FAFSA website.
  3. Write in your answers and gather your parents' information then transfer the data to FAFSA on the Web.  
  4. Check your eligibility for federal student aid using the FAFSA website.
  5. Note important deadlines found on the FAFSA website.
  6. To meet the Federal Student Aid deadline: Apply as early as possible beginning October 1st. 
  7. Schools and states have their own deadlines. Contact them for exact deadline dates.