FAFSA 101

To apply for financial aid, including federal student grants, work-study, most scholarships and loans, you’ll need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Although the financial aid form may seem complex, there are resources to help you. FAFSA 101 provides an overview of the application, lists the information you will need, and resources and tools to help complete the form.

FSA ID

The FSA ID is a username and password that gives you the unique benefit of logging into your accounts — while removing all personally identifiable information. The FSA ID is your new official Federal Student Aid ID, which you will use to log in to use FSA websites like FAFSA, StudentLoans.gov, and more. The FSA ID acts as your electronic signature when completing the FAFSA. 

Creating an FSA ID (Video)

 
Important Documents Needed to Complete a FAFSA

This section provides what information that you will need to bring with you to complete your FAFSA. For dependent students you will need to gather this information for yourself and from your parents as well.

Information Needed
 

 
What is the FAFSA?

FAFSA is an acronym that stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Colleges and universities use this form to determine your eligibility for federal, state, and college-sponsored financial aid, including grants, educational loans, and work-study programs. 

Overview of the Financial Aid Procress (video)

How to Fill Out the FAFSA- User Guide
Am I a Dependent or Independent Student on the 2020-2021 FAFSA?

Your dependency status determines whose information you must report on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.

FAFSA Checksheet- Dependency Status 

Special Circumstances
FAFSA for Families

This section includes FAFSA advice for students and their families. It’s loaded with information that you need right now regarding FAFSA and financial aid, and tips on things you’ll want to consider over the next few months, like choosing a major or how to handle finances in college.

FAFSA Advice for Students and Families

 

 

 
FAFSA Quick Guide

This resource provides a quick overview of the FAFSA process in a simple and easy to follow document. 
FAFSA Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Student Aid

This section provides tips and mistakes to avoid when completing the FAFSA. Knowing these tips can make the FAFSA process less stressful for students and parents. 

12 FAFSA Mistakes to Avoid 
Financial Aid Glossary

This glossary defines the terms and acronyms that are most frequently used in student financial aid.

Federal Student Aid Glossary

How to Read an Award Letter

An award letter is the documentation sent from a college or university to the student that details for how much financial support the student is eligible. The award letter is sent following the student's submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and application to attend college or university.

Award Letter Comparison Tool

College Financing Plan 
Verification

Verification is a process by which the federal government requires schools to validate information provided by some applicants on their FAFSAs. 

ASU Verification FAQ's        UofA Verification FAQ's

NAU Verification FAQ's         GCU Verification FAQ's

MCCCD Verification FAQ's 
What is the IRS Data Retrieval Tool?

The IRS Data Retrieval Tool (IRS DRT) allows students and parents who filed a U.S tax return with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to access the IRS tax return information needed to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and transfer the data directly into their FAFSA.
What is Work-Study?

Work-study is a way for students to earn money to pay for school through part-time on (and sometimes off) campus jobs. Work-study gives students an opportunity to gain valuable work experience while pursuing a college degree.