How To Complete The FAFSA

Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form is essential for accessing federal financial aid for college. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

1. Gather Necessary Documents

Before starting the FAFSA, make sure you have the following documents and information:

• Your Social Security Number (SSN)

• Your parents' SSNs (if you are a dependent student)

• Your driver's license number (if applicable)

• Your Alien Registration Number (if you are not a U.S. citizen)

• Federal tax information or tax returns, including IRS W-2 information, for yourself and your parents (if you are a dependent student)

• Records of your untaxed income, such as child support received, interest income, and veterans' noneducation benefits

• Information on cash; savings and checking account balances; investments, including stocks and bonds and real estate (but not including the home in which you live); and business and farm assets

2. Create an FSA ID

Create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID, which you will use to sign your FAFSA electronically. Both you and your parent (if you are a dependent student) will need separate FSA IDs. Create your FSA ID at fsaid.ed.gov.

3. Log In to the FAFSA Website

Go to the official FAFSA website at fafsa.gov. Click "Start Here" if you are a new user or "Log In" if you are returning. Use your FSA ID to log in.

4. Start a New FAFSA or Continue a Saved FAFSA

If this is your first time completing the FAFSA, select "Start A New FAFSA." If you are returning to complete a saved FAFSA, select "Login."

5. Fill Out the Student Demographics Section

Enter your personal information, including your name, SSN, date of birth, and other details. Ensure that the information matches your official documents.

6. List the Schools to Receive Your FAFSA Information

You can list up to 10 colleges where you want your FAFSA information sent. Use the Federal School Code Search to find the codes for your colleges, or you can search by school name and location directly on the FAFSA form.

7. Answer Dependency Status Questions

Answer questions to determine if you are a dependent or independent student. Dependent students will need to provide information about their parents.

8. Provide Parent Demographics

If you are a dependent student, you’ll need to provide your parents' information, including their SSNs, marital status, and other demographic details.

9. Supply Financial Information

Provide financial information for yourself and your parents (if applicable). This includes federal tax information, W-2 forms, and other records of money earned. You can use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) to import your tax information directly from the IRS, which simplifies the process and reduces errors.

10. Sign and Submit the FAFSA

After completing all sections of the FAFSA, review your information for accuracy. Both you and your parent (if you are a dependent student) must sign the FAFSA using your FSA IDs. After signing, submit the FAFSA form.

11. Confirmation

After submission, you will receive a confirmation page. Save or print this page for your records. You will also receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) within a few days, summarizing the information you provided. Review your SAR for accuracy and make any necessary corrections.

Tips for Completing the FAFSA

• Start Early: The FAFSA form is available starting October 1 for the following academic year. Completing it early can increase your chances of receiving more financial aid.

• Double-Check Information: Ensure all information is accurate to avoid delays in processing your application.

• Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool: This tool helps reduce errors and simplifies the process of entering tax information.

• Keep Copies of All Documents: Maintain copies of all documents used to complete the FAFSA for your records.

• Meet Deadlines: Be aware of federal, state, and college-specific deadlines to ensure you receive the maximum amount of aid available.

By following these steps and tips, you can successfully complete the FAFSA form and take a crucial step toward financing your college education.