Completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Completing and submitting a FAFSA is the only way to qualify for federal loans, grants, and work study. Obtain a PIN number (www.pin.ed.gov) in November of your senior year and then complete a FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1st at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

General Eligiblity Requirements:

• Demonstrate financial need (except for certain loans)
• Have a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) certificate or pass a test approved by the U.S. Department of Education
• Be working toward a degree or certificate
• Be enrolled in an eligible program
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
• Have a valid Social Security number
• Register with the Selective Service if required
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress once you're in school

Why Is the FAFSA Important?

Even if you have sufficient funds to cover you college education, it is important that you fill out your FAFSA because it will allow your school to determine your eligibility for grants, loans and work-study programs.

You should remember to fill out the FAFSA as soon after January 1st of each year. After you fill out the FAFSA you and your school will receive the Student Aid Report (SAR). Even if you don’t know what school you will choose to attend, having your SAR will help determine your eligibility for free money and financial aid at each school you are considering.

Federal Loans

Federal Loans are low interest government loans that help fund higher education. Anyone can apply for a Federal Loan but you must first fill out your FAFSA. Loans that are under the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) include, Stafford loans and PLUS loans.

Besides helping you pay for college Federal Loans can help you establish responsible credit and help you when you are ready to purchase a home or car. In addition, you don’t have to start paying your loans back until you graduate from school.

Federal Grants

The federal grant program is based on established federal guidelines and is awarded to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor’s or professional degree. Most grants are awarded based on financial need and availability of funds. The most common grant programs are the PELL grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). In addition, some State grant programs utilize the information from the FAFSA to determine eligibility.

Completing the FAFSA Tips

Complete the FAFSA form online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The online FAFSA has edits in place to help prevent you from entering incorrect information. In addition, the online FAFSA will be processed faster, allow for edits and corrections to be made electronically, and is the preferred method for most schools. Before completing the FAFSA online, you should gather the documents listed below and obtain a FAFSA PIN number for both you and your parent. The FAFSA PIN number will allow you to submit your application and electronically sign your application.

If you are applying online you and your parent will need a FAFSA PIN. You may log on to www.fafsa.ed.gov under the "getting started" button to obtain your pin. You must do this before beginning your application.

Financial Aid is awarded on a first come, first served basis so you must fill out the FAFSA as soon after January 1st as possible. In addition, each state has several deadlines for their own grant programs. Most Arizona schools have a March 1st priority date.

Make sure you keep a copy of your FAFSA for your records. It will help you to understand your SAR and assist you in completing your FAFSA renewal the following year.

Remember that completing the FAFSA is FREE and the Department of Education provides free FAFSA forms and offers helpful information to assist you with questions. You may also call the Federal Student Aid Information Center, 800.4.FED.AID.

Documents you will need to complete the FAFSA:

• Driver's license
• Social Security card
• Alien Registration Card (if applicable)
• Completed 2005 federal income tax returns, including W-2s and 1099s forms (or an accurate estimate of your income if you can't file early with the IRS)
• Records of untaxed income, such as Social Security income, welfare, AFDC (Aid for Dependent Children), and veterans' benefits
• Current bank statement and mortgage information
• If applicable, records that relate to any unusual family circumstances (for example, medical and dental bills not covered by health insurance, unusually high child support costs or loss of employment)
• Records of your family's assets and investments, not including your primary residence
• Business and farm records (if applicable)

Are you a Dependent or Independent Student?

You may be considered an independent student under the following factors:

• You are 24 years of age or older before January 1 of the year you are completing the FAFSA
• You're married
• You have children who receive more than half of their support from you
• You have dependents (other than your children or spouse) who live with you, who receive more than half of their support from you now, and who will continue to receive more than half of their support from you
• You're an orphan or a ward of the court (or were a ward of the court until age 18)
• You're a veteran of the U.S. armed forces or served as a member of the National Guard or Reserves

If you are entering college right from high school you will most likely be considered a dependent. Dependent students are required to fill out their own information and their parents’ information. The Financial Aid Administrator may consider the student to be independent if there are special circumstances. If you have special circumstances, you should speak with your Financial Aid Administrator and provide any documentation of the special circumstance.