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Free Application for Federal Student Aid
(FAFSA)

FAFSA is a form that can be filled out annually by current and anticipating university students (both undergraduate and graduate) and sometimes their parents in the United States to determine their eligibility for federal student financial aid. It is not a student LOAN application.

Student Financial Aid includes grants, loans, and work-study programs). In addition, most states and schools use information from the FAFSA to award non-federal aid. The FAFSA consists of numerous questions regarding the student's finances, as well as those of his or her family; these are entered into a formula that determines the Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

A number of factors are used in determining the EFC including the family size, income, number in college, and assets (not including retirement and 401K). The FAFSA does not have questions related to student or family race, ethnicity or religion.

A Student Aid Report (SAR), which is a summary of the FAFSA responses, is forwarded to the student. The student should review the SAR carefully for necessary corrections. An electronic version of the SAR (called an ISIR) is sent to colleges/universities the student selected on the FAFSA. The ISIR is also sent to state agencies that award state need-based aid.

How do I apply for Federal Financial Aid?

• Complete the FAFSA and provide the required signatures.

• Wait 3-5 days while we process your FAFSA and send you a Student Aid Report (SAR).

• Check the SAR carefully. Your SAR will summarize the data you report on your FAFSA.

• Keep a copy of your SAR.

• View your Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

If your FAFSA information is complete, an EFC will appear in the upper right corner of your SAR. Your EFC is based on the financial information you provide on the FAFSA.

Check with your school. Your school will use your EFC to award your financial aid.