Applying for federal student aid is FREE; that’s why the application is called the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you need help completing the FAFSA, that help is free, too. You don’t have to pay anyone for assistance. Beware of scams and services that will search for financial aid money for you for a fee. The College Scholarship Fraud Protection Act protects you from this type of fraud.
What is federal student aid?
Federal student aid is financial assistance through the U.S. Department of Education that’s available if you’re enrolled in an eligible program as a regular student at a school participating in federal student aid programs.
Federal student aid covers school expenses such as tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies and transportation. This aid can also help you pay for a computer and dependent child-care expenses.
How Do I apply for Federal Student Aid?
- Get a PIN, a personal identification number. A PIN lets you apply, “sign” your online FAFSA, make corrections to your application information, and more-all online. Go to www.pin.ed.gov.
- Collect the documents needed to apply, including income tax returns and W-2 forms (and other records of income). A full list of what you need is at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Tax return not completed at the time you apply? Estimate the tax information, apply, and correct information later.
- Complete the FAFSA between Jan. 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009. BUT, apply as soon as possible after Jan. 1 to meet school and state aid deadlines (see note at bottom of page). Apply online (the faster and easier way) by going to www.fafsa.ed.gov.
- ED will send you your Student Aid Report (SAR)-the result of your FAFSA application. Review your SAR, and if necessary, make changes or corrections and submit your SAR for reprocessing. Your complete, correct SAR will contain your Expected Family Contribution (EFC)-the number used to determine your federal student aid eligibility.
- If you are selected for verification, your school’s financial aid office will ask you to submit tax returns and other documents, as appropriate. Be sure to meet the school’s deadline, or you will not receive federal student aid.
- Whether you’re selected for verification or not, make sure the financial aid office at the school has all the information needed to determine your eligibility.
- All Students: Contact the financial aid office if you have any questions about the aid being offered.
First-time applicants: Review award letters from schools to compare amounts and types of aid being offered. Decide which schools to attend based on a combination of (a) how well the school suits your needs and (b) its affordability after all aid is taken into account.
Note: You also might be able to get financial aid from your state government, your school or a private scholarship. Research nonfederal aid early (ideally, start in the spring of your junior year of high school). Be sure to meet all application deadlines!
