Everything begins with the FAFSA 鈥 the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
You will get used to talking about the FAFSA, because you file one for every academic year. With one application, you are applying for several different types of federal aid.
Set up a FSA ID
A FSA ID is needed to submit your FAFSA, access federal websites and sign your loan promissory note. It also serves as your legal signature and is tied to your Social Security number. If you鈥檙e a dependent student, at least one parent needs a FSA ID in order to sign the FAFSA and apply for a parent PLUS loan. You鈥檒l only once, but will use it often as a聽student.
Applying Online
The takes less than an hour if you have all your documents. The FAFSA is necessary to be considered for grants, loans, work-study, and some need-based scholarships. Keep in mind that there are typically two FAFSA applications open at one time or current and upcoming academic years. Please be sure to fill out the right one for the academic year you are applying for. Our academic year runs from fall to summer.
We highly recommend using the to import your tax information directly into the FAFSA for 2023-2024. Beginning in 2024-2025, you will be required to provide .
*Don’t forget to pay close attention to important dates and deadlines.