Want Federal Money for College?

FAFSA Student Aid
Prepare now for your FAFSA filing

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is often the starting point to help families finance the ever challenging cost of a student’s college education. The application is available starting January 1st. The earlier you file your application, the earlier you will receive aid packages from most participating schools. The application is used to receive grants (free money!), federal loans, and work study awards. Here are some hints to make sure the application process works in your favor.

 Mortarboard Bullet Point Create your signature PINs now. Both the student and parent will need to set up an electronic signature within the FAFSA system. You do not have to wait until January to set these up, so do it now. You cannot submit the FAFSA form without this.
Mortarboard Bullet Point File the FAFSA early! As soon as possible after January 1st, fill out and submit your FAFSA. You will start to see reminders in the press in late December, but November is a great time to estimate your year-end tax obligation. Filing early maximizes your chances of receiving aid. It also minimizes your chances of missing an unknown application deadline.
 Mortarboard Bullet Point Start organizing your tax records. You can fill out and submit the FAFSA form before you finalize your tax return. If you choose this route, you will estimate your tax figures for the FAFSA and then go back later and update your FAFSA with actual numbers. Start organizing your tax records now, so you are in a good position to estimate your tax return.
Mortarboard Bullet Point Let your advisor know. If you have a child ready to attend college, stay in touch with your financial advisor. Managing your assets to present a good financial picture starts before your student’s junior year in high school.
Mortarboard Bullet Point Collect needed information. To fill out a FAFSA you will need the following;

Arrow Student and parent Social Security Numbers
Arrow Drivers license
Arrow Federal tax information for the student and parent (actual or estimated) for current year and actual information from the prior year
Arrow Record of any untaxed income (excluding retirement account balances)
Arrow Information for balances of the following

  • Cash, savings and checking accounts
  • Investment asset balances
  • Other assets
Arrow FAFSA PIN
Mortarboard Bullet Point Involve your student. The FAFSA is a student application for assitance. Use this application process to help your student feel ownership of their educational journey.

Every January, the www.fafsa.gov web site is heavy with activity as students start submitting their FAFSA forms. Please ask for assistance if you need help with any part of the FAFSA submission. The form can be a daunting task for the uninitiated, but by proper preparation you can get your form done in quick order.