FAFSA Free Application for Federal Student Aid

What is a FAFSA?

The FAFSA is:

A common application for federal loan and grant programs
Used by colleges to provide financial aid to students
The first step in applying for New York State aid
A way to determine if you are eligible for Federal Student Financial Aid Programs

Your Social Security Number (can be found on Social Security card)
Your driver's license (if you have one)
Your latest W-2 Forms and other records of money earned
Your (and if you are married - your spouse's) latest Federal Income Tax Return - IRS Form 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, 1040Telefile, foreign tax return, or tax return for Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia
Your parents' latest Federal Income Tax Return (if you are a dependent student)
Your latest untaxed income records - Social Security, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, welfare, or veterans benefits records
Your current bank statements
Your current business and investment mortgage information, business and farm records, stocks, bonds, and other investment records
Your alien registration card (if you are not a U.S. citizen)

Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen of the United States
Have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED) or pass an approved “ability to benefit” test
Attend a participating college/university as a regular student seeking a degree or certificate
Register (or have registered) for Selective Service
Have a result of ‘Eligible’ or ‘Partially Eligible’ on the Drug Conviction question (question 31)
Not owe a refund on a federal grant or be in default of a deferral education loan

Note: Other requirements may apply. Contact your financial advisor for more information.

Check your college's financial aid application deadlines
Apply electronically at: www.fafsa.ed.gov
- Fill out a practice worksheet before beginning the online process
- Worksheets are available at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/before012.htm
Paper FAFSA:
- Paper copies of the FAFSA are available in high school guidance offices, local libraries, and your college's financial aid office.
- A paper FAFSA comes with its own self-addressed envelope.

If you filed an electronic FAFSA:

Paper FAFSA:

Once your paper FAFSA is processed, it is sent to the financial aid office at the college.
The financial aid office sends you an ‘Award Letter’. This letter tells the type and amount of aid you will receive, and the deadline to accept the offer of financial aid.

Or call: 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243)