How to Fill Out a Federal Application for Student Aid

Federal student funding is available to students enrolled in an accredited college located in the United States. They have an allotted amount of funds to help students pay for college. Even if you think your family earns too much money to qualify, apply anyway. You might be surprised. Even families with good income can qualify for some federal aid. The high cost of living, and especially the high cost of college, increases government contributions enormously. Don't miss out on your share of federal student aid. Apply today.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Access the federal student aid application on the web. The online address is titled FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

2. Fill out the dependency worksheet to determine if you are an independent or a dependent. A dependent is required to provide their parents tax returns, income information, and signature.

3. Choose the FAFSA on the web worksheet with the date you wish to enroll in school. Choose from color or black and white.

4. Find your school code. Each college has a unique school code, which must be entered on your federal application for student aid.

5. Access the federal student aid PIN website to obtain a PIN which you will use to electronically sign your online federal student aid application.

6. Gather together the required documents: Social security number, driver's license, W-2 forms, federal income tax returns, parent's federal income tax returns if you are a dependent, bank statements, and investments.

7. Fill out the form, one question at a time. It should take less than one hour to complete. Save each page as you go. You have up to 45 days to complete and send a saved application.

8. Sign your completed application with your PIN number and submit. You should receive a response within 3 days.

Tips & Warnings

• Apply for your PIN number a few days prior to filling out your federal application for student aid. The application requires your PIN, but the PIN takes a few days to receive.

• Without a PIN number you will need to sign the documents and send them in.

• You must meet the federal student aid deadline. Most schools have their own deadlines, so contact your school as soon as possible.

Resources

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid