Free Application for Federal Student Aid FAFSA “Federal Student Aid FAFSA” FAFSA.ed.gov 15 Feb Mar 2009.

What is FAFSA? Free Application for Federal Student Aid  This is the application form that is required before you can receive any form of federal, state or sometimes private financial aid. You can use either the paper FAFSA or you can file on the Web electronically. The FAFSA asks several questions about family finances, and you list your college choices.  You can get a copy of the FAFSA from any high school or college. Even if you won't be going to college for a while, you might want to get a FAFSA to see what types of questions are asked. If you are planning to go to college in the next academic year, get a FAFSA right away!

What is the FAFSA Application For?  Use this application to apply for federal student grants, work-study aid, and loans.  You may also use this application to apply for most state and some private aid.

Who is Eligible for Federal Student Aid? To receive federal student aid, you must meet certain requirements. You must:  Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.  Have a valid Social Security Number (unless you’re from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau).  Be registered with Selective Service if you are male and 18 to 25 years of age (go to for more information).  Have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) Certificate or pass an exam approved by the U.S. Department of Education.  Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program at a school that participates in the federal student aid programs.  Not have a drug conviction for an offense that occurred while you were receiving federal student aid (such as grants, loans, or work-study).

When Should I File?  You should complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1 to be considered for the next academic year.  The form should be submitted before March 2 to be considered for Cal Grant and many university programs. Some schools have earlier deadlines so be sure to check with the campus financial aid office for campus-specific deadlines.  Simple advice: Find out every college's FAFSA deadline and meet the EARLIEST deadline...then you have met them all! If deadlines have already passed, FILE YOUR FAFSA ANYWAY! A large portion of the money is available for many months after the first early deadlines. You probably won't get the best aid, but you might still qualify for federal grant and loan.

What methods are available for completing the FAFSA?  Paper FAFSA  FAFSA on the Web  FAFSA en Español  Renewal FAFSA on the Web  FAFSA de Renovación en Español  School's system if school participates in Electronic Data Exchange (Contact school counselor for more information)

Get organized!  Plan ahead – Gather all information required to apply  See a preview - Print a FAFSA on the Web Worksheet to see how the application is organized; get your parents to provide you with the information requested of them (if you are a dependent student).FAFSA on the Web Worksheet Available in November of each year for the upcoming school year.  Fill out the application one step at a time – Save the FAFSA you're working on whenever you want; complete and submit it later at your convenience.  (The information you save will be secure and available for you to retrieve and edit for 45 days or until the federal application/correction deadline date has passed since the application was saved. Saved applications are erased after 45 days or after the federal application/correction deadline date. Select Application Deadlines on the home page to determine if the federal application/correction deadline date has passed.)

Get organized!  To simplify the application process, gather required documents and other information ahead of time. Your Social Security Number (can be found on Social Security card) Your driver's license (if any) Your 2009 W-2 Forms and other records of money earned  IRS Form 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ or Foreign tax return Your parents' 2008 Federal Income Tax Return (if you are a dependent student) Your current bank statements Both your and your parents’ current business and investment mortgage information, business and farm records, stock, bond, and other investment records Your alien registration or permanent residence card (if you are not a U.S. citizen)

Do I need to complete my income tax return before I complete the FAFSA?  No, you do not need to have completed your income tax return.  While it is recommended that you complete your tax return prior to filling out your FAFSA, it is not essential.  It is far more important that you meet the March 2 application deadline than it is that you complete tax returns first.  You can fill out the FAFSA using estimated information from your final year end pay stub(s); However, take care in estimating your figures. Any large discrepancies between your FAFSA and your tax return may have a large impact on any preliminary financial aid award you receive.

Am I a Dependent?  The Dependency Status Worksheet helps students determine if they need to provide parental information on the FAFSA Dependency Status Worksheet

Before Beginning Your FAFSA  You need to obtain a PIN A PIN is a 4-digit number that is used in combination with your Social Security Number, name, and date of birth to identify you as someone who has the right to access your own personal information on Federal Student Aid Web sites, such as FAFSA on the Web. The security of your PIN is important because it can be used to:  Electronically sign Federal Student Aid documents  Access your personal records, and  Make binding legal obligations.

PIN  You and your parents (if you are a dependent student) will need to sign your FAFSA. They cannot process your FAFSA until they receive your signature(s). Using a PIN to sign your FAFSA electronically is by far the fastest and most reliable way. However, you can print, sign and mail in a signature page, or provide signature(s) on your paper Student Aid Report (SAR).  Tip: You may use your PIN for the duration of your school experience and beyond. The PIN stays the same.  If you or your parents do not already have a PIN, you are encouraged to apply for one. You can apply for a PIN while completing a FAFSA on the Web application, or you can go to the Federal Student Aid PIN Web site at to apply.

Deadline Dates!  School Year (July 1st, June 30th, 2011): FAFSA on the Web applications must be submitted by midnight Central Daylight time, June 30, Corrections on the Web forms must be submitted by midnight Central Daylight time, September 15, 2010.

What is my Expected Family Contribution (EFC)?  The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) measures your family’s financial strength, and is used to determine your eligibility for federal student aid during one school year.  You receive an EFC based on the processing results of your FAFSA.  For more information: Contact the financial aid administrator at your school. See Funding Education Beyond High School: The Guide to Federal Student Aid.Funding Education Beyond High School: The Guide to Federal Student Aid See The EFC Formula.The EFC Formula Call the Federal Student Aid Information Center. Refer to the Customer Service page for contact and assistance information.

Checking Status of FAFSA  You may check the status of your application at any time, but we recommend you at least check the status: 1 week after submission - if you used a PIN to sign your application. 2-3 weeks after submission - if you printed, signed and mailed a signature page.  If you’ve already checked the status of your processed FAFSA and would now like to view your information, select View and Print Your Student Aid Report.View and Print Your Student Aid Report Note: you must have a PIN to view your SAR.

How do I apply for a grant? For loans? For student employment?  By completing the FAFSA and supplying any other required documents to the financial aid office, you are considered for federal grant, work and loan programs, as well as most state and private programs. You don't have to file separate applications for each program.  In order to be considered for Cal Grant, as well as for some other funds, you will need to file your FAFSA by March 2 (prior to the year when you want to go to school) and you also have to file a "Cal Grant GPA Verification" by that deadline. Ask for help at any high school or college financial aid office.  Some programs may require additional paperwork.  Be sure to complete all forms sent to you by the financial aid office.

Federal Student Aid Programs Federal Bell Grant The Federal Pell Grant Program provides need-based grants to low-income undergraduate and certain postbaccalaureate students to promote access to postsecondary education. Students may use their grants at any one of approximately 5,400 participating postsecondary institutions. Grant amounts are dependent on:  the student's expected family contribution (EFC) (see below);  the cost of attendance (as determined by the institution);  the student's enrollment status (full-time or part-time);  and whether the student attends for a full academic year or less.

Federal Student Aid Programs Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)  During an eligible student’s first academic year, the maximum ACG is $750; the maximum ACG for a student’s second academic year is $1,300.  To receive an ACG, you must: Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen; Be Federal Pell Grant eligible; Be enrolled at least half-time in a degree program; Be enrolled in the first or second academic year of your program of study at a two-year or four-year degree-granting institution or enrolled in a certificate program of studies of at least one year (for first year eligibility) or two years (for second year eligibility); Have completed a rigorous high school program of study (after January 1, 2006, if a first-year student, and after January 1, 2005, if a second-year student); Not have been previously enrolled in an undergraduate program (if you are a first-year student); and Have at least a cumulative 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale for the first academic year (if you are a second-year student).

Federal Student Aid Programs National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (National SMART Grant)  You may be eligible for in your third, fourth and fifth (for programs requiring five years) academic years of undergraduate study  If eligible, you may receive up to $4,000 per year.  To receive a National SMART Grant, you must: Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen; Be Federal Pell Grant eligible; Be enrolled at least half-time pursuing a major in physical, life or computer sciences, mathematics, technology, engineering or a critical foreign language, or enrolled in an institution that offers a single baccalaureate-level liberal arts curriculum that permits no subject area major, but are taking coursework in an area equivalent to a SMART- eligible major at other bachelor degree-granting institutions; and Have at least a cumulative 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.

Federal Student Aid Programs Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant (TEACH Grant)  A new student aid grant program for undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, or graduate students who intend to teach at least four years in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families  If eligible, you may receive up to $4,000 per year.  To receive a TEACH Grant, you must: Attend a participating college; Meet certain academic achievement requirements; and Sign a TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve.  If the required teaching obligation is not completed, the grant must be repaid as a Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan.

Federal Student Aid Programs Federal Stafford Loans  Student loans that must be repaid and are available to both undergraduate and graduate students.  There are two types: Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL)  If it is a subsidized Stafford loan (demonstrated need for the loan), you are not responsible for interest while attending at least half-time and the principle is deferred.  If it is an unsubsidized Stafford loan (financial need was not demonstrated) the principle is still deferred but you are responsible for paying interest on the loan.

Federal Student Aid Programs Federal PLUS Loans  Available to parents of dependent undergraduate students who are enrolled at least half-time.  The PLUS Loan is also available to graduate and professional degree students.  Financial need is not a requirement.  PLUS Loans are unsubsidized: Borrower is responsible for interest that accrues during the life of the loan. Borrowers can request a loan for up to the full cost of attendance minus any other financial aid. TIP: Graduate and professional students that borrow a PLUS Loan receive an automatic deferment (postponement) while in school.

Federal Student Aid Programs Campus-Based Programs  Administered by participating schools.  These programs include: The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Work-Study, and The Federal Perkins Loan TIP: You should be sure to find out which above financial aid programs are available at each school you are interested in attending. Not all schools participate in all of the federal student aid programs.

Federal Student Aid Programs  Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants are grants available for undergraduates with exceptional financial need. Awards range from $100-$4,000.  Federal Work-Study provides jobs to undergraduate and graduate students, allowing them to earn money to pay education expenses.  Federal Perkins Loans are low-interest (5 percent) loans that must be repaid; the maximum annual loan amount is $4,000 for undergraduate students and $6,000 for graduate students.

Federal Student Aid  For more information about federal student aid, visit

Other Types of Aid  When looking for student aid to help pay your school costs, make sure you look at state and school resources. Talk to the financial aid administrator at the school you plan to attend. Be sure to ask about "institutional aid" — money the school awards.  Schools are required to inform you of their financial aid procedures and deadlines, and how and when you’ll receive your aid award. They can also tell you about student aid available from your state. TIP: Research non-federal aid early (ideally, start in the spring of your junior year of high school). Be sure to meet all application deadlines!

Scholarships  Scholarships are another source of aid that can be used to pay for school.  It is money for school that you will not be expected to repay.  The amount of the scholarship award can range from paying for your books to paying for tuition.  Scholarships come from a variety of sources: schools, employers, individuals, private companies, nonprofits, religious groups, or professional organizations.

Scholarships  These sources offer scholarships for a variety of reasons.  Some are offered to students that have financial need.  Some scholarships have academic requirements like a certain GPA or enrollment in a particular major.  There are athletic, music, and art scholarships.  There are scholarships for minorities and first generation students; and some for students with certain community affiliations or religious affiliations.  Because scholarships are offered for different reasons and by many sources, it is important that you understand that each scholarship has its own requirements and deadlines, so you should begin searching for scholarships as soon as possible.  You should also know that in most instances you should not have to pay to apply for a scholarship.

Scholarships  Start with your high school counselor. Many counselors have lists of scholarships and other aid for which students can apply.  Next, the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend is an important place to search for information. The financial aid administrator can tell you about financial aid available from the school itself, as well as other sources.  Visit and use our free Scholarship Search to look for scholarships you might qualify for.  Check with foundations and civic groups.  Check with local, community, religious, and ethnicity-based organizations, or organizations (including professional associations) related to your field of interest, such as the American Medical Association or American Bar Association.  Check with your employer and/or your parents’ employers.  Check with your union and/or your parents’ unions.

Scholarships  Select this link for information about student aid from other federal government agencies.information about student aid from other federal government agencies  Select this link to  Visit your local library’s reference section (look under “student aid” or “financial aid”).  Look for programs such as Upward Bound, Talent Search, or GEAR UP..  Lastly, you can use the Internet to find other free scholarship search services.