FAFSA 101

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is an application every incoming and current college student must fill out in order to be eligible for Federal Student Aid, Some College Scholarships, and Federal Grants.

 

For a more in-depth presentation on how to file for the FASFA, click here.

 

Here is a list of items you need to have handy before you or your student applies for FAFSA.

 

• Student Drivers License (Optional)

• Student & Parent Social Security Number

• Both Student & Parent W-2 Form or Pay Stub, Federal Income Tax Return, and untaxed income records from previous 1-2 years

• Current Bank Statements, Business, and investment records 

FAFSA Applications for the upcoming school year will open on October 1st, 2020!

 

The earlier you file your FAFSA the more money will be available for you or your student. You have from October 1st until the priority deadline set by the college. Each college is different, so make sure you check all of the deadlines for the colleges you are applying to. 

 

To find information on the FAFSA Priority Deadline, visit the college website or contact their Financial Aid Office. 

Keep in mind a few common mistakes that you want to avoid when filling out the FAFSA

 

• Do not miss the college priority deadline, which  will vary by university

• Add every School you are applying to, this will help determine your offer letter amount

• You must file for FAFSA every year you or your student is enrolled in college

• You must file for FAFSA separately for each student/child going to college

• Do not leave anything blank 

• Do not put Parent information in the student information section

• Be sure to include siblings who are in college and supported financially by parents in the family household size

• Entering the correct tax information, you can use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to find this information.​

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