FAFSA

The FAFSA form typically opens in October each year for the new application cycle.

The FAFSA Form will be completed by a “Contributor”, which refers to anyone asked to provide information on a FAFSA.  The answers provided by the student will determine each contributor (such as parents or spouse) who will need to provide their information.  The student will need to provide each contributor’s name, date of birth, social security number, and email address on the FAFSA Form.

Contributors will receive an invitation to complete their portion of the FAFSA form and sign electronically using their FSA ID.

Each student and contributor will need to have an FSA ID to complete and sign the FAFSA Form.  If you and your parent/spouse have a social security number, sign up for your FSA ID today so you are ready for the FAFSA!

Parent/spouse contributors without a social security number are eligible to apply for an FSA ID. Click here for next steps!

Contributors will give consent to transfer their IRS tax information through the IRS Direct Data Exchange (DDX).  This should reduce questions for you and your family while completing the FAFSA form!

Please note that the student and all contributors will be required to provide consent on the FAFSA form.  This will apply to all contributors, regardless of your tax filing status.

Each student who completes the FAFSA form will receive an SAI, previously known as the EFC.  The Financial Aid Office will use the SAI to determine your eligibility for Federal, State, and Institutional financial aid funds.

Homeless, orphaned, foster youth, and unaccompanied youth—as well as applicants who cannot provide parental information because of unusual circumstances—will be able to complete the FAFSA and receive a provisional independent status.   The Financial Planning Office will request supporting documentation before approving your status as an independent student.  Once approved, your status will be renewed in subsequent years if your circumstance remains unchanged. 

• Students can send the FAFSA to up to 20 colleges and universities

• The student can view the status of the FAFSA form and their contributor’s application progress, on their FSA Account.  

• The FAFSA form sent to the student, formerly called the Student Aid Report (SAR), will now be known as the FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS).  

• A demographic survey will be added to the new FAFSA form with questions about the student’s race, ethnicity, and gender. The survey will not impact the student’s eligibility for aid and will be used only for statistical purposes.