Frequently Asked Questions About the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly known as the FAFSA®, is an application students fill out to be considered for federal financial aid. Filling out the FAFSA is the only way to apply for federal financial aid. 

Review frequently asked questions to help you prepare for completing your FAFSA application. 

Who should fill out the FAFSA? 

Every eligible student should consider filling out the FAFSA for the first time in their last year of high school. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) provides assistance in paying for college.

Federal financial aid is available for U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens (like permanent residents and individuals who meet certain noncitizen criteria).

You (the student) should complete the FAFSA, but your parent/guardian will also need to create an account to provide some of the required information. The application is free, and resources exist to help you fill it out. You should complete the FAFSA every year you plan to attend college.

Can undocumented students complete the FAFSA? 

Undocumented students, including students with temporary protected status and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students, aren’t eligible for federal aid. You may be eligible for financial aid from your state, college, or a scholarship provider. Reach out to the financial aid office at the colleges you’re considering. Explore alternatives to federal student aid. For additional information, check out these frequently asked questions. 

When should I fill out the FAFSA? 

Complete your FAFSA as early as you can to ensure you don’t miss your chance to receive financial aid. The federal deadline for completing the FAFSA is June 30. However, many states and colleges have their own priority deadlines that may be much earlier and some types of financial aid are limited. Colleges may award these funds on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit your college’s website to see what their deadlines are. Find out your state’s deadline. 

How do I fill out the FAFSA? 

Complete the FAFSA online by logging in with your Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID at studentaid.gov. An FSA ID is a username and password used by students and parents to complete and sign the FAFSA. If you haven’t created an FSA ID yet, create one at studentaid.gov.

Most families completing the FAFSA will consent to share their federal tax information directly from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This data exchange between the IRS and the FAFSA makes completing the application easier and reduces the number of questions you must answer.

How do I create an FSA ID? 

Students who are eligible for and applying for federal financial aid and parents who are required to be listed on the FAFSA need to create FSA IDs.

To create an FSA ID you’ll need:

• Your Social Security number (if you have one). 
• Your date of birth.
• Your full legal name (written exactly as it appears on your Social Security card).
• An email address you have access to.
• A mobile phone number (optional).
• A mailing address.

A Social Security number, mobile phone number, and email address can only be associated with one FSA ID. This means you can’t make multiple accounts for yourself, and if you share an email or phone number with someone, only one person can use that information to create an FSA ID.

What information does the FAFSA require?

If you’re considered a dependent student, completing the FAFSA with your parent(s) information), you need to provide:

• General demographic information.
• High school and college information.
• Federal income tax returns.
• Current bank statements.
• Records of investments and other assets.

Do I need my parent(s) to fill out the FAFSA? 

Most students are considered dependent when completing the FAFSA, meaning that parental information is required. Your dependency status determines whose information must be included when you fill out the FAFSA. If you’re considered an  independent student by the FAFSA, you won’t be required to provide parental or guardian information.

How do I submit the FAFSA?

After filling out the FAFSA, you and your parent(s), if parental information is required, must sign and submit the application. If you complete the FAFSA online, you must sign the form with your FSA ID. If you complete a paper FAFSA, you must sign the paper form and mail it to the address listed. The FAFSA will take a few days to process if signed and submitted online. Processing will take longer if you mail in a paper form.

What happens if I don’t complete the FAFSA?

If you don’t complete the FAFSA, you won’t be able to receive federal financial aid. You may also be ineligible for certain types of college scholarships and state aid. If you can’t complete the FAFSA due to missing information or difficulty with the form, contact your college financial aid office for additional help.

What happens after I submit the FAFSA? 

It may take a few weeks for your selected schools to receive your FAFSA information after you submit it. Keep an eye on your email to ensure you don't miss any important notifications from schools.