FAFSA Facts
Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1 every year to meet school and state deadlines.
Visit FAFSA.gov to complete the application online and receive step-by-step instructions. You can also request a paper copy by contacting the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID.
Include information about your parents’ income when completing the FAFSA. If you have a special situation, you should contact your school’s financial aid office.
If you have a question while completing the FAFSA online, you can view the ‘Help and Hints’ box on the right-hand side of each screen to get answers.
Because FAFSA.gov is a secure site, your information is encrypted for privacy.
A college education is an investment in your future. Fortunately, financial aid is available to help manage the cost. One of the most important steps you can take to find grants, scholarships and low-cost loans is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
These handy tips will help you complete the FAFSA and start down the road to success!
Hit the ‘Save’ button often. Always use the ‘Next’ and ‘Previous’ buttons on the site. Never use the ‘Back’ button on your browser or you may lose your information.
Apply for your Personal Identification Number (PIN) before you complete the FAFSA. You can request one at PIN.ed.gov.
If your parents have money in a 401(k), don’t include this information on your FAFSA. Retirement funds are not used to calculate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
Don’t forget to
apply for your PIN !
Statistics show only about 1 in 10,000 students get a full ride to college. Don’t take that chance! Complete the FAFSA.The FAFSA uses a larger percentage of student income and assets when determining your EFC, so it’s best to keep all savings accounts in your parents’ names.
If your parents are divorced, report the income for the parent you lived with the most during the last 12 months. If you lived with each parent for the same amount of time during the past year, you should include income information for the parent who provided you the most financial support during that period.
If you answer “yes” to any one dependency status question, you’ll be considered an independent student. If all questions are answered “no,” you will be considered dependent. Check out the FAFSA Dependency Questionnaire on the Resources page at UCanGo2.org for more information.
All school codes are listed on the official FAFSA website, FAFSA.gov.
You should receive a copy of the SAR (Student Aid Report) after submitting your FAFSA. Remember to review the SAR for accuracy.
Even if you think you won’t qualify for aid, fill out the FAFSA anyway! The FAFSA is uniquely designed to determine your eligibility for financial aid. Income is only one of the factors. Everyone’s situation is different and nearly everyone qualifies for some type of financial aid.
Have more questions? Contact the financial aid office of the school you plan to attend.
Helpful websites
UCanGo2 UCanGo2.org
FAFSA FAFSA.gov
PIN PIN.ed.gov
Never pay to complete the FAFSA -- the first letter in FAFSA stands for FREE!
The marital status you choose on your FAFSA must reflect your status on the day you complete the application.
Males must be registered with the Selective Service to be able to receive federal financial aid. Even if you’re not 18 yet, you can still register on your FAFSA.
IRS data can now be transferred directly to your online FAFSA application.
