The FAFSA Process

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is available on October 1st of each year for the following year.  Parents and students will also use the tax information they filed with the IRS in April of the same year. 

If you need any help with the FAFSA make an appointment with your counselor or your college & career advisor: Mrs. Oleson


​Preparing for the FAFSA
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  • FAFSA ID
  • ​Birthdate
  • Social Security Number
  • Student's Drivers license number (if applicable) 
  • Alien Registration # (if applicable)
  • Federal tax returns and W2s
  • Records of untaxed income (e.g. child support, pensions)
  • Blank Statements and record of investments (if applicable)
Don't have all your info yet? That’s okay; you can start the FAFSA,
save it, and come back later to finish it. 
Filling out the FAFSA
​Submission Options
​Each October, The FAFSA is available for the next school year. Its important to fill it out as soon as possible to meet school and state financial aid deadlines. Check a college's or career school's deadline on it website or by calling it financial aid office
First Time Applicants
You’ll receive an aid offer from each college or career school you applied to and listed on your FAFSA, stating the amount of aid you could receive at the school.

Review and compare your offers, and decide which school to attend based on the school’s net cost and how well the school suits your needs.

Renewal Applicants
You’ll receive an aid offer from your school stating the amount of aid you could receive at the school.

Receiving Financial Aid
Formally accept the school’s aid offer - and remember, if you’re offered student loans, borrow only as much as you really need.

Your school will handle your aid. Ask the financial aid office when and how your aid will be paid out, what it’ll cover, and how much (if any) money will come directly to you once tuition and fees are paid.
The FAFSA process is quicker and easier when you have a username
and password called an FSA ID. (If your parent is providing information on your FAFSA, he or she will need his or her own FSA ID as well.) Learn more about the FSA ID and how to create yours at StudentAid.gov
Gather this Information
Processing the FAFSA
After you submit your FAFSA, your information will be sent to the colleges and/or career schools listed on the form.

You will receive an email with in a few days, letting you know your FAFSA was processed.

Your college or career school might request additional information from you. Make sure you respond by any deadlines.


Finished filing?  Need more information?  Still have questions?  Click here for resources related to all student aid.
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