For Students

Paying for college starts with the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Submitting your application is the key to accessing grants, scholarships, work-study programs and federal student loans. While filling out the form may seem daunting, it doesn’t have to be. The Students Page lists tools and resources to help you and your family complete your application

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

FAFSA Checklist: 2020-2021 &  2021-2022

12th Grade FAFSA Checklist

12th grade is the time to apply for admission to college and to apply for federal student aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.
Here’s what students and parents should be doing throughout the year to stay on track at this busy time—including learning how to manage federal student aid.
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
Choosing a College

Choosing a college can be stressful! While getting the right education and training will help you get a better-paying job, going to college or career school is a big investment in time, money, and effort. Make sure to take your time and research your options.
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 Myths/Facts

There are many myths surrounding the FAFSA. This section debunks those myths so that students and parents are informed with correct information regarding the FAFSA. 

FAFSA Myths & Facts

FAFSA Quick Guide

This resource provides a quick overview of the FAFSA process in a simple and easy to follow document. 
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 
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
 

 
Paying for College

Tips to help pay for college

1. Fill out the FAFSA

2. Search for scholarships

3. Choose an affordable school

4. Use grants if you qualify

5. Get a work-study job

 

 
Searching for Scholarships

Scholarships are a great way to assist with funding a college education. This section provides the most popular and useful scholarship search engines that students and parents can utilize. 

 
Undocumented Students

This section provides questions and answers about student financial aid for undocumented students as well as guidance for a specific group of undocumented students who have received Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

 
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 a SAR?

The Student Aid Report (SAR) is a paper or electronic document that gives you some basic information about your eligibility for federal student aid and lists your answers to the questions on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Student Aid Report- Example 

Student Aid Report- FSA site
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.