FAFSA Resources

Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid(FAFSA) can seem challenging, but with the right tools, you can navigate the process with confidence. This resource page offers essential information and guidance to help you apply for financial aid and make informed decisions about funding your college education.

What is the FAFSA?

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is a form that students in the U.S. complete to apply for financial aid for college or career school. By submitting the FAFSA, you can access federal grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and low-interest student loans. Many states and colleges also use FAFSA data to determine additional financial aid, making it a key step in funding your education. Completing the FAFSA opens the door to BILLIONS of dollars of financial aid.

Related Article: What is Financial Aid and the different types available?

Getting Started Completing the FAFSA

Step One: Create an FSA ID (10-15 minutes)

  • Both the student and a parent (if dependent) need a Federal Student Aid ID to log in and access the FAFSA.
  • What you will need to complete the FSA ID:
    • Social Security numbers (student and parent)
    • Driver’s license or state ID (if applicable)
    • Alien Registration Number (if not a U.S. citizen)
    • Previous year federal income tax returns, W-2s, and other financial records
    • Bank statements and records of investments (if applicable)
  • FSA completion Steps
    1. Personal Information- This will be the users information (student or parent). Each person needs an FSA ID to complete the FAFSA
    2. Account Information- Create a username and password for your FSA ID. Make sure to write this down and keep in a safe place as you will use this to sign in to complete the FAFSA every year
    3. Contact Information – Set up contact info to receive updates on your FAFSA application.
    4. Communications Preference- Select how you would like to be contacted.
    5. Challenge Questions- Set up security questions to help protect your account.
    6. Confirm and Verify – You will receive an email to confirm your account.
    7. Enable Two-Step Verification – This will help keep your account protected by sending a notification to your phone or email.

Step Two: Begin the FAFSA (45-90 minutes)

    • Use your FSA ID to login to the FAFSA Website
      • You want to apply for the year the student will begin their first year of college. For example: If a student is graduating Spring 2025, you will want to complete the FAFSA for the 2025-2026 School Year.
      • The FAFSA is now open for the 2025-2026 school year. Typically, the FAFSA Opens around December.
      • Tip: Apply for the FAFSA as soon as possible. This is because the FAFSA is on a first-come first-served basis. So they earlier you apply, the more money is available to receive.
    • What you will need to complete the FAFSA:
      • Personal Information:
        • Social Security number (student and parent, if dependent)
        • Driver’s license or state ID (if applicable)
        • Alien Registration Number (if not a U.S. citizen)
      • Financial Records:
        • 2023 federal income tax returns, W-2s, and other income records
        • Records of untaxed income (e.g., child support, veteran’s benefits)
        • Bank statements and investment records (if applicable)
      • School Information:
        • List of colleges you plan to apply to or attend.
    • FAFSA Completion Steps – Students will complete their section of the FAFSA first before sending it over to their parent/contributor
      1. Personal Identifiers – Personal information that should be filled in through your FSA ID
      2. Personal Circumstances – A series of questions about your personal situation
      3. Demographics – How you identify as.
      4. Financials – A series of questions about your financial situation.
      5. Colleges- A list of schools you wish to send your complete FAFSA application.

Other Resources:

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