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Relevant to: faculty, staff, and students
This article contains information considered accurate at the time of publishing. Technology updates, changes in University security practices, policies and procedures may effect the information in this article - updates to articles are scheduled on a periodic basis and will address any required changes.
Introduction
The following article presents students with information on how to fill their FAFSA form regarding their financial aid
Application Process
FAFSA, or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is the form used to determine a student’s eligibility for federal, state, and college financial aid programs.
FAFSA is a free application administered by the US Department of Education that helps students access grants, scholarships, work study programs, and federal student loans for college or career school. Completing the FAFSA is the first step in applying for financial aid, and it is used by nearly all states and many colleges to calculate their own aid packages.
- Create a FASA ID: Required for both students and parents to electronically sign the FAFSA
- Fill Out the Form: Enter personal, financial, and school information using StudentAid.gov or the myStudentAid mobile app.
- Submit: FAFSA is process within 3-5 days online or 7-10 days via mail. Students will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) summarizing eligibility and a Student Aid Index (SAI), which colleges use determine financial aid packages
- Review and Update: Corrections can be made if necessary, and students can appeal for additional aid of circumstances change
FAFSA
Types of Financial Aid Available
- Grants: Free money, like Pell Grants or Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
- Work-Study: Campus or community services jobs for student with financial need
- Loans: Subsidized (government pays interest while enrolled) and unsubsidized loans (interest accrues immediately)
- State and Institutional Aid: Many states and colleges use FAFSA data to award their own scholarships or grants