Free Application for Federal Student Aid
To qualify for federal financial aid, you must apply every academic year using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ). Completing and submitting the FAFSA gives you access to the largest source of financial aid to pay for college. Your college uses your FAFSA data to determine your federal aid eligibility. Many states and colleges use FAFSA data to award their own aid. After submission, you’ll receive your Student Aid Report.
When do I fill out the FAFSA application?
•For the 2021–22 year, you can apply between Oct. 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022 (Using the 2019 tax information)
•For the 2022–23 year, you can apply between Oct. 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023 (Using the 2019 tax information)
Federal student aid programs have limited funds, so be sure to apply as soon as you can.
FAFSA applicants must provide income information from the “prior-prior tax year.” For example, 2020-21 applicants must report 2018 income information. As a result of using “prior-prior tax year information" more students and families will be able to complete their FAFSA using income information imported electronically from the IRS.
Steps to fill out FAFSA:
1. Log in to fsaid.ed.gov and create an FSA ID and Password
2. Complete the FAFSA by logging on to https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa (Must apply every academic year, starting October 1) and completing all requirements.
3. Be registered for three eligible hours or more for most types of aid in the summer, or six eligible hours or more for most types of aid (except PELL) in the Fall/Spring.
4. Meet all requirements before the priority deadline.
Fall March 1
Spring November 1
Summer May 1
Since some types of funds are limited, we recommend you submit your FAFSA before the priority dates. Students who submit their application after the priority dates are still eligible for financial aid but may need to pay their tuition before the payment due date.
The institutional policy for packaging grants, and employment assistance for students is as follows:
Packaging for eligible flexible entry classes will be done at the end of the semester and funds for those classes will be disbursed accordingly.
Students are awarded a combination of funds from all programs for which they qualify. Students are required to apply using the FAFSA to be processed for all aid programs. The financial aid package will attempt to meet 70% of the student’s need with grant assistance and 30% with self-help (Work-Study).
Students not eligible for a Federal Pell Grant but who demonstrate financial need, as defined by the federal government, may be eligible for campus-based programs (Federal Work-Study).
Students enrolled for the summer sessions may receive, if eligible, SEOG, PELL, and Federal Work-Study.