Please note: Parents and Students must create separate FSA IDs. It is very important that you and your parent create and use your own FSA IDs. The FSA ID acts as a legal signature and should not be shared. Letting someone else create your FSA ID is not allowed and can create problems and delays with your financial aid.
FAFSA/WASFA
What is FAFSA?
FAFSA, Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is a form completed by current and future college students to determine their eligibility for financial aid. FAFSA assists you and your student with college expenses. It is important that if you have a senior who is planning to attend a 2 year college, 4 year college or apply for an apprenticeship (some accept federal aid), you apply for FAFSA.
Here is why:
You are NOT obligated to accept any funds they offer.
You may be approved for grants (these you do not pay back).
You may be approved for student loans (these you DO pay back).
FAFSA gives you a summary of what you may be expected to pay.
FAFSA sends your information to every college you select to help determine what grants, loans and scholarships you may qualify to use.
Many scholarships require you to submit your SAR (student aid report) from FAFSA.
CollegeBound Scholarship your student may have filled information out in 8th grade requires the FAFSA to be completed.
Financial Aid offices at the college or institution you apply at uses the FAFSA information to assist you in paying for tuition with grants, scholarships or loans if absolutely necessary.
The application opens every fall on October 1 and closes the following June 30.
The application is for financial aid for the following school year.
Example: October 1, 2020 application is for school year 2021-2022.
To apply, go to: fafsa.gov or https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.