The FAFSA will have BIG changes this year but these changes have not yet been rolled out. Make sure you attend our Financial Aid Night (date TBA) to learn all the new information regarding this year's FAFSA!
Starting in December, seniors and parents can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid(FAFSA) by using the prior year tax information (2022 tax information)
What is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) and how is it changing?
The FAFSA® is the application that students must complete to apply for federal student aid, which can be used to attend an eligible college or career school. Federal student aid includes Federal Pell Grants, federal student loans, and work-study opportunities. In addition to determining eligibility for federal student aid, many states, private organizations, colleges, and career schools rely on information from the FAFSA to determine eligibility for nonfederal sources of aid. (Source: US Department of Education). It is also a requirement for the A+ program.
Below are the steps to take to completing the FAFSA:
Step 1: Apply for an FSA ID
An FSA ID is a username and password used to access the FAFSA and will serve as your electronic signature. Both the student and parent/guardians will need an FSA ID. Use the links below to help assist you in applying for an FSA ID. This must be done prior to completing the FAFSA! Apply for an FSA ID at https://fsaid.ed.gov/.
Creating your FSA ID Power Point
Best Practices for Creating an FSA ID
Step 2: File the FAFSA
Once the student and a parent have created an FSA ID, you will be ready to file the FAFSA. Students graduating in May 2024 will be completing the 2024-2025 FAFSA by using 2022 tax information. Use the link to fill out the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.gov. Make sure you are on the government website -- DO NOT pay to file the FAFSA.
Federal Student Aid Website - Information and resources regarding Financial Aid
FAFSA Questions and Answers
Q. Is there a fee to fill out the FAFSA?
A. No. Student aid experts emphasize that the “F” in Fafsa stands for “free,” and that consumers should be wary of websites pitching help for a fee. There are sites out there that will charge you so make sure you use the www.fafsa.gov link
Q. When will I know how much financial aid I am receiving?
A. Every college that you apply to will send you their own financial aid package. It is very important that you compare financial aid packages to the cost of attendance. This link below has great information on understanding your financial aid award letter from the college. I highly encourage you to read the article and watch the video attached about understanding your financial aid award letter.
https://www.salliemae.com/college-planning/financial-aid/financial-aid-award-letter/
Q. How do I let a college know which financial aid I would like to accept?
A. You don’t have to accept all the financial aid listed in your award letter. Let’s say you’re awarded work-study in your financial aid package but you know you’re going to be too busy with schoolwork. Or the amount of the federal loan you’re qualified for is more than you want to take out. You can say "no" to all or part of a financial aid award, or ask your school’s financial aid office to review your financial situation. Just be sure that you won’t need to borrow money for costs that you could have covered with free money.
Whether you decide to accept or decline your financial aid package, you’ll need to respond to the award letter. Each school sets a deadline for a response, so don’t miss out, whether it’s mailing back a signed form or answering online. If you do decide to request more financial aid from a school, talk to your financial aid office. There might be a written process to request a review of your financial situation.
**All Information listed above is from SallieMae.com and is subject to change
Starting in December, seniors and parents can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid(FAFSA) by using the prior year tax information (2022 tax information)
What is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) and how is it changing?
The FAFSA® is the application that students must complete to apply for federal student aid, which can be used to attend an eligible college or career school. Federal student aid includes Federal Pell Grants, federal student loans, and work-study opportunities. In addition to determining eligibility for federal student aid, many states, private organizations, colleges, and career schools rely on information from the FAFSA to determine eligibility for nonfederal sources of aid. (Source: US Department of Education). It is also a requirement for the A+ program.
Below are the steps to take to completing the FAFSA:
Step 1: Apply for an FSA ID
An FSA ID is a username and password used to access the FAFSA and will serve as your electronic signature. Both the student and parent/guardians will need an FSA ID. Use the links below to help assist you in applying for an FSA ID. This must be done prior to completing the FAFSA! Apply for an FSA ID at https://fsaid.ed.gov/.
Creating your FSA ID Power Point
Best Practices for Creating an FSA ID
Step 2: File the FAFSA
Once the student and a parent have created an FSA ID, you will be ready to file the FAFSA. Students graduating in May 2024 will be completing the 2024-2025 FAFSA by using 2022 tax information. Use the link to fill out the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.gov. Make sure you are on the government website -- DO NOT pay to file the FAFSA.
Federal Student Aid Website - Information and resources regarding Financial Aid
FAFSA Questions and Answers
Q. Is there a fee to fill out the FAFSA?
A. No. Student aid experts emphasize that the “F” in Fafsa stands for “free,” and that consumers should be wary of websites pitching help for a fee. There are sites out there that will charge you so make sure you use the www.fafsa.gov link
Q. When will I know how much financial aid I am receiving?
A. Every college that you apply to will send you their own financial aid package. It is very important that you compare financial aid packages to the cost of attendance. This link below has great information on understanding your financial aid award letter from the college. I highly encourage you to read the article and watch the video attached about understanding your financial aid award letter.
https://www.salliemae.com/college-planning/financial-aid/financial-aid-award-letter/
Q. How do I let a college know which financial aid I would like to accept?
A. You don’t have to accept all the financial aid listed in your award letter. Let’s say you’re awarded work-study in your financial aid package but you know you’re going to be too busy with schoolwork. Or the amount of the federal loan you’re qualified for is more than you want to take out. You can say "no" to all or part of a financial aid award, or ask your school’s financial aid office to review your financial situation. Just be sure that you won’t need to borrow money for costs that you could have covered with free money.
Whether you decide to accept or decline your financial aid package, you’ll need to respond to the award letter. Each school sets a deadline for a response, so don’t miss out, whether it’s mailing back a signed form or answering online. If you do decide to request more financial aid from a school, talk to your financial aid office. There might be a written process to request a review of your financial situation.
**All Information listed above is from SallieMae.com and is subject to change