Federal Student Aid Programs
Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education, provides the largest
source of student aid in America - more than $80 billion a year in grants, loans, and work-study
assistance. Federal Student Aid is the source for free information, guidance and tools for
federal student assistance. If you're interested in education beyond high school, we’re here
to help. Visit us at
www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov
Student Aid Eligibility
Eligibility for federal student aid is based on financial need and on several other
factors. The financial aid administrator at the college or career school you plan to attend will
determine your eligibility.
To receive aid from our programs, you must
- demonstrate financial need (except for certain loans).
- have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate, pass a test
approved by the U.S. Department of Education, meet other standards your state establishes that the
Department approves, or complete a high school education in a home school setting that is
treated as such under state law.
- be working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program.
- be a U.S. citizen or
eligible
noncitizen.
- have a valid Social Security Number (unless you're from the Republic of the Marshall Islands,
the Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau).
- register with the Selective Service if required.
- maintain satisfactory academic progress once in school.
- certify that you are not in default on a federal student loan and do not owe money on a federal
student grant.
- certify that you will use federal student aid only for educational purposes.
Apply for Federal Student Aid
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form used by virtually all two and
four-year colleges, universities and career schools for the awarding of federal student aid and
most state and college aid. A FAFSA may be submitted either online at
www.fafsa.ed.gov or by completing the paper
form.
Deadlines: For the 2006-2007 school year, we must have your application no later
than July 2, 2007. Your college must have your correct, complete information by your last day of
enrollment in the 2006-2007 school year.
For the 2007-2008 school year, submit your application as early as possible. We must have
your application no later than June 30, 2008. Your college must have your correct, complete
information by your last day of enrollment in the 2007-2008 school year.
It is recommended that you use the
FAFSA on the Web because:
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It's Quick.
|
You'll get your results as much as three weeks faster than using the paper FAFSA.
|
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It's Easy.
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FAFSA on the Web has detailed help screens for every question.
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It's Accurate. |
FAFSA on the Web points out inconsistent answers and gives you the chance to correct mistakes
before submitting the application. |
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It's Safe. |
FAFSA on the Web uses encryption when transferring data so that anyone attempting to access
your information will not be able to read it. |
If you don't have Internet access, paper copies of the FAFSA are available in English or
Spanish from high schools, local libraries, postsecondary schools, or by contacting the Federal
Student Aid Information Center aid at 800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).
Apply for a PIN
We recommend that students and parents request a personal identification number (PIN) before
applying for aid. The PIN can be used to electronically sign your FAFSA application, dramatically
decreasing the processing time. You can also use your PIN to make online corrections to your FAFSA,
access your Student Aid Report (SAR) (document that contains your application results), and
sign the master promissory note for a federal student loan.
Safeguard Your PIN and Remember IT!
http://www.pin.ed.gov/
NEED-TO-KNOW INFORMATION
- Student Aid on the Web
www.studentaid.ed.gov is the U.S. Department of
Education's site for free information on preparing for and funding education beyond high
school.
- Free Help Completing the FAFSA
www.studentaid.ed.gov/completefafsa is an
introductory publication for students, provides instructions on how to complete the online or paper
version of the
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Funding Education Beyond High School: The Guide to Federal Student Aid
http://studentaid.ed.gov/students/publications/student_guide/index.html
is a comprehensive source of information about the Department's federal student aid programs and
includes an overview of federal student aid, as well as more detailed information on the
application process and student loans. Whatever your questions, you'll find the aid information you
need in this publication.
- Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC) 1-800-4-FED-AID
(1-800-433-3243) TTY 1-800-730-8913
The FSAIC staff can answer your student aid questions and can give you all the help you need—F
REE—including:
- information about federal student aid programs;
- help completing the FAFSA;
- help in making corrections to your Student Aid Report (SAR) — the document that contains
your application results;
- information about the process of determining financial need and awarding aid; and
- information about your federal student loans.
- Braille publications are available from the Federal Student Aid Information Center at
1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).
Hot Tip
-
FAFSA4Caster
-
A New Financial Aid Estimator Tool
The
FAFSA4caster provides students with an early estimate of their eligibility for federal
student financial assistance. Students considering furthering their education beyond high school
can use this FREE tool to:
- Calculate their eligibility for federal financial aid, including grants
- Reduce the time it will take to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA),
the qualifying form for all federal student financial aid
Federal Student Aid is excited to provide this tool to help students and their families
evaluate their options for planning and paying for education beyond high school. To access
FAFSA4caster, visit
www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov
