Need Help Paying For College?

Federal financial aid is available, and applying for it is easy.

ALTHOUGH PAYING FOR COLLEGE can sometimes seem overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be. The US. Department of Education’s office of Federal Student Aid makes $80 billion available to students and families each year for education beyond high school. That $80 billion comes in the form of grants, low-interest loans and work-study programs.

TO APPLY

To find out if you or family members are eligible, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Financial-aid offices use this information to determine eligibility for different types of federal student aid. Students may apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov or obtain application forms from school guidance counselors or local libraries. Applications are accepted beginning January 1 for the following school year.

You can simplify the application process by taking the following steps:

1.GETA PIN.

Apply for a personal identification number PIN) at www.pin.ed.gov It will allow you to sign your FAFSA electronically and later to access your processed FAFSA online.

2. GATHER THE INFORMATION REQUIRED TO APPLY.

• Social Security numbers--yours and those of your parents, if you're a dependent who needs to provide parent information.
• Your driver’s license number if you have one.
• Your Alien Registration Number, if you are not a US. citizen.
• Federal tax information or tax returns. This includes W-2 information for yourself, for your spouse if you’re married, and for your parents if applicable. Use income records for the year prior to the academic year for which you are applying.
• Records of untaxed income such as Social Security, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and veteran’s benefits. You’ll also need information on savings, investments, and business and farm assets for yourself and for your parents if applicable.

3. BE AWARE OF DEADLINES

The FAFSA is also the qualifying document for many state, regional and private financial aid programs, so make sure you submit the forms as soon after January 1 as possible. If you miss your state deadline, still complete the FAFSA to qualify for federal aid.

4. COMPLETE AND SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION, AND FOLLOW UP.

Enter all the necessary information at www.fafsa.ed.gov If you need help, links are available on each page of the online application. After you submit it, you will receive a confirmation number that tells you your application has been successfully submitted.

Once your application is processed, you will receive an e-mail with a link to your Student Aid Report (SAR). If you did not provide an e-mail address, you will receive your SAR by mail. Review your SAR for any necessary corrections or updates.

Remember, the most costly education is the one not begun, and the only way to qualify, for federal student aid for education beyond high school is by completing the FAFSA.

Source: US Department of Education