HOW TO FILE A FAFSA

FAFSA.ed.gov This is the homepage to the FAFSA website. *Make sure that this is the website that you go to and that there is a (.gov) at the end of the address and not a (.com)

Logging in Logging in is done with either of these options. 1. Using this method is the better option and will have you create an FSA ID 2. Using this method you will need your student’s First and Last name, Social Security number, and Date of Birth. *If you haven’t created an FSA ID it is best to start by creating one first.*

Creating an FSA ID Click here to start the process of creating your FSA ID.

Creating an FSA ID Once you click “Create FSA ID” you will open a new window that looks like this. Make sure the “Create FSA ID” tab is selected and fill out the information needed.

Creating an FSA ID Continue filing out any required information making sure you double check and make sure everything is correct.

Creating an FSA ID Here you will have your profile created. Your Username, Password, , SSN, and Name should be auto filled in for you. Continue entering in any other requested information.

Creating an FSA ID Here you will setup Challenge questions. Once you finish this step you will review all your entered information and confirm everything. After that you just need to verify your account through the you listed. *Be sure to write down and remember the answers to your challenge questions*

Choosing the right application Once you log in next you will need to select the appropriate app. for the correct school year that you wish to attend. The dates as to which app. go with what school year are on the left hand side

Create a Password Next we will create a password for the application. *This is just incase you have to exit the FAFSA application and finish it later.

General FAQ’s This is the first page that you see once you start the application. This page contains many frequently asked questions. By clicking on the questions it will show its corresponding answer.

Student Demographics On this page this is where the student provides their demographic information. Make sure that you double check and make sure that everything is Correct.

Student Demographics Male students need to make sure they answer yes or no to being registered with selective service. *If you haven’t registered yet the FAFSA app can register you.* Make sure you answer this question and do not mark it as “None of the Above” *Work Study is a Great Job opportunity for Students*

High School Selection Here you will input the High School you attended.

Choosing your Colleges Here you will put in the Colleges you want your FAFSA to be sent to. You can Search for your school. Or you can input the school’s School Code and the FAFSA will find it automatically *You can list up to 10 different schools on this page however it is best to only put in the school you know for sure you want to attend*

Housing Arrangements Here is where you will select your housing arrangement. There are: On Campus Off Campus With Parent Be sure to select the appropriate choice.

Dependency Status On this page there are yes and no questions to determine a student’s Dependency status. Make sure to read every thing listed carefully. *Legal Guardian does not include Biological Parents*

Dependency Status Here is where students will provide parent information. *If for any circumstance a student is not able to provide this information they Must go to the Financial Aid Office of the school they are attending to see what info is needed.*

Parent Demographics Here is where Parent information is entered. On this page it will ask just for basic demographic information.

Parent Tax Info Once you complete your Taxes you will enter that information here. Always try to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool! It will be very beneficial. *You can only use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool if you answer No to all three of these questions.*

Parent Tax Information If you aren’t sure where to find certain tax information on your Tax Returns dot forget the “Help and Hints” Box

Parent Tax Information

Student Tax Information Here is where Student’s Tax information will be entered. Be sure to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool here as well if applicable.

Student Tax Information

Signing and Submitting Here both Student and Parents will use their FSA IDs to sign off on the FAFSA. Be sure to: Click and Agree to the terms. Input your FSA ID information Click Sign Once both Parent and Student does this, then click “Submit my FAFSA now.”

You are Now Finished! Questions?