Parents

The FAFSA: It's Critical!

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form used by the federal government, states, and colleges to decide how much financial aid a student will need.

 

The FAFSA worksheet will help you collect information you need to fill out the form. The worsksheet is not the final form, but rather an aid to filling out the form.

 

Fill out the FAFSA form on-line!

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form is used by the federal government, states, and colleges to decide student financial need. Some colleges may require financial information in addition to the FAFSA, so your student will want to check with each school where he or she is applying.

 

The FAFSA is the most important document your child will submit to get financial aid. You'll want to assist your child in completing it!

 

Steps to completing the FAFSA

  1. Start early and be aware of deadlines. The FAFSA depends on income tax records, both yours and those of your child. As soon as possible after January 1 of the year your child will start college, complete your income tax, then move ahead with the FAFSA. Some colleges want financial aid applications in March; others have later deadlines. But remember that some colleges have only a limited amount of money to distribute, and often the first eligible applications to arrive in the office are the ones to get it. The last day you can officially submit a FAFSA is June 30. But try to get it in as early as possible!
  2. Collect information and documents. To fill out the FAFSA, you will need:
    • Student's Social Security number
    • Student's driver's license, if applicable
    • Completed income tax forms, for students and parents
    • Records of untaxed income for student and parents, including social security, temporary assistance to needy families, welfare, and veterans' benefits
    • Current bank statements for students and parents
    • Current business and investment mortgage information, business and farm records, investment records (if any) for students and parents
    • If not a U.S. citizen, student's alien registration or permanent residence card
  3. Download a FAFSA worksheet from the website and fill it out. Read all the directions carefully. If you're confused, ask for help from a school counselor or advisor. The worksheet will help you collect all the information you'll need before you fill in the FAFSA officially.
  4. The FAFSA has to be officially signed by students and parents unless student is financially independent. You can do that by getting an electronic PIN number, or by sending in a signature page through the mail. The PIN number is easier for most people, and directions for getting it are on the website.
  5. Complete the official FAFSA online. Note that the student must fill in the colleges from which he or she wishes to receive aid. Read and follow all the directions and give yourself plenty of time.


Student Aid Report

Within a week or two after submitting the FAFSA, your child will be sent the results, called a Student Aid Report (SAR), by e-mail or regular mail at your request. The SAR will tell you the amount of your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Colleges and others will use the amount listed to award financial aid. Review the report carefully to be sure it's accurate; if not, you can submit a revised FAFSA.

If you think the EFC isn't right, perhaps because your family has an unusual financial situation not reflected on the FAFSA, or because your income dropped after you submitted the form, you can give that information to the college or university. Financial aid officers will discuss your situation with you and make whatever adjustments possible.