How to Apply for Financial Aid

On October 1st, federal student aid applications can be submitted. To save yourself a headache, use this weekend to get all of the necessary materials together so you can hit the ground running on Monday.

How to Apply for Financial Aid

Once you’re ready to begin the FAFSA, keep these tips in mind:

1. Begin your FAFSA process by creating a FSA ID at FAFSA.gov. It’s your personal code for submitting the FAFSA when you’re ready. Your FSA ID will give you access to FSA online systems and can serve as your legal signature.

2. Submit your FAFSA as soon as possible. Federal student aid applications can be submitted starting October 1 at FAFSA.gov. Federal financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so know your deadlines and apply as early as you can to maximize your financial aid.

3. Think local. College and state financial aid deadlines vary by state. Check your state’s financial aid deadlines.

4. Apply for the FAFSA annually. You need to fill out the FAFSA each year that you are—or plan to be—a student. The FAFSA is used by schools to put together your financial aid package for one year of college. 

How to File the FAFSA:

To file your FAFSA, you’ll first need to gather the documents you’ll need to reference. Then complete your application at FAFSA.gov. 

Step 1: Gather all the information you’ll need

·       Your driver's license and Social Security number

·       Your parents' Social Security numbers and birthdates

·       Your family’s latest federal income tax returns.
For example, if you're applying for financial aid for academic year 2018-19, you'll likely use your family's 2016 tax return.

·       W-2 forms

·       Bank statements

·       Information on your family's investments (real estate, money market funds, stocks, etc.2)

Step 2: Bookmark FAFSA.gov

·       This is where you get your Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID and submit the FAFSA.

·       Don't fall for scams. The only site you should use to fill out and file the FAFSA is FAFSA.gov.

·       There's no charge for submitting the FAFSA.

·       The site also has the most up-to-date information on upcoming changes.

Step 3: Submit your FAFSA

·       The easiest and fastest way is to file the FAFSA online with your FSA ID, made up of your username and password. Your application will be processed within 3 – 5 days.

·       You can mail in a paper application, but the processing time will take about 7 – 10 days.