FAFSA Process
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to access financial aid for college—including grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans. Completing the FAFSA helps schools and states decide how much aid you can receive to help pay for college or trade school.
Key FAFSA Steps for Students and Families
Gather Important Documents
Collect Social Security numbers (student and parent), federal tax returns (usually from two years prior), W-2 forms, records of untaxed income, and bank or investment statements.Create an FSA ID
Students and one parent (for dependent students) should create an FSA ID at studentaid.gov. This is your secure login for signing and managing your FAFSA.Complete the FAFSA Form
Submit your FAFSA at FAFSA.gov or studentaid.gov. List all colleges or trade schools you want to receive your information. Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool if available to securely transfer tax data.Review Your Submission Summary
After submitting your FAFSA, review the Submission Summary for accuracy. Make corrections if needed.Follow Up on Financial Aid Offers
Colleges will send you financial aid offers based on your FAFSA. Compare offers carefully to make the best choice for your situation.
Quick Tips
Submit your FAFSA as early as possible; some aid is first-come, first-served.
Double-check your information for errors before submitting.
Use official sites like studentaid.gov for guidance and support.
Update your FAFSA if your family’s financial situation changes.