FAFSA: Free Application For Federal Student Aid
FAFSA Website
Create a Federal Student Aid ID
There are three types of federal student aid:
- Grants—financial aid that doesn't have to be repaid (unless, for example, you withdraw from school and owe a refund)
- Work-study—a work program through which you earn money to help you pay for school
- Loans—borrowed money for college or career school; you must repay your loans, with interest
What do I need to file my FAFSA?
- Student's Social Security Number
- Student's W2 Form
- Student's 2018 Federal Tax Return (if applicable)
- Parents' Social Security Numbers
- Parents' Date of Marriage, Separation, or Divorce (if applicable)
- Parents' W2 Forms
- Parents' 2018 Federal Tax Returns
Which Parental Information Should I Use?
- Are you living with both parents? You will need both parent's information.
- Are you living with one parent, or split your time between two parents? You should use the parent's information with whom you live most of the time.
- Do you live without your parents or have other circumstances? Make sure you have any documentation.
To Create a FSA ID:
Both you and a parent need to create a Federal Student Aid ID and a password to sign into FAFSA electronically. YOU AND YOUR PARENT WILL BE USING THIS USERNAME AND PASSWORD TO LOG INTO AND SIGN YOUR FAFSA EVERY YEAR THROUGH COLLEGE.
- Go to FSA ID
- Create a username and password and enter your email address (do NOT use your school email account because you will lose access to it after graduation!). Write down your username and password and keep it where you will be able to find it.
- Enter your name, date of birth, social security number, contact information, and challenge question and answers.
- Review your information.
- Read and accept the terms and conditions.
- Confirm your email address using a secure code, which will be sent to the email address you used. Once you verify your email address, you can use it instead of your username to log into your FAFSA.
All of this information is also on a reference sheet in the stand by the Scholarship Desk in the Counseling Center.
