I probably don't qualify for aid. Should I apply for aid anyway?

Yes. Many families mistakenly think they don't qualify for aid and prevent themselves from receiving financial aid by failing to apply for it. In addition, there are a few sources of aid such as unsubsidized Stafford and PLUS loans that are available regardless of need. In order to qualify for student loans, the FAFSA will need to be completed. The FAFSA form is free. There is no good excuse for not applying.

How do I apply for aid?

Complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov and provide the required pin number as your signature(s). You may apply for a pin number at the pin site, www.pin.ed.gov. Be sure if you are including your parent’s information on the FAFSA, they apply for a pin number as well. If you prefer, a paper version of the FAFSA is also available at your school’s financial aid office.

Is electronic filing really faster?

Electronic filing is faster than filing a paper form. The process may be as many as 14 days faster if you electronically sign your application as soon as you complete it. Submitting your Free Application for Federal Student Aid using FAFSA on the Web or another electronic product eliminates delays that can occur from mailing. Also, FAFSA on the Web edits your application before you transmit; ensuring that the data you transmit to the U.S. Department of Education is ready to be processed

Do I have to reapply for financial aid every year?

Yes. If your financial circumstances change, you may get more or less aid. After your first year you will complete a "Renewal Application" which contains preprinted information from the previous year’s FAFSA. Note that your eligibility for financial aid may change significantly, especially if you have a different number of family members in college. Renewal of your financial aid package also depends on your making satisfactory academic progress toward a degree, such as earning a minimum number of credits and achieving a minimum GPA.

I sent in my FAFSA over four weeks ago, but haven't heard anything. What should I do?

Contact customer service either on the web, through e-mail, or by calling. You may e-mail fafsaweb@pearson.com. The phone number to call the Federal Student Aid Information Center is 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243). For the hearing impaired, you may contact 1-800-730-8913. If preferred, live help is also available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Under “Contact Us” at the top of the page, choose “Live Help.”

My parents are separated or divorced. Which parent is responsible for filling out the FAFSA?

The parent with whom the child lived the most during the past 12 months. Note, however, that any child support and/or alimony received from the non-custodial parent must be included on the FAFSA.

My parents are divorced, and the parent I'm living with has remarried. Does my stepparent have to report his or her income and assets on the FAFSA?

Yes. If your parent is married to your stepparent at the time you fill out the FAFSA, the stepparent must report his/her income and assets even if they weren't married in the previous year.

Are my parents responsible for my educational loans?

No. Parents are, however, responsible for the Federal PLUS loans.

What if I do not live with my parents? Do I still need to use their financial information on the FAFSA?

Yes. If you are under 24 years of age, are not married, do not have children living with you, are not a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, are not an orphan or ward of the court, and do not have a bachelor’s degree, you will need to use your parent’s information.

I got an outside scholarship. Should I report it to the financial aid office?

You must report the scholarship to the financial aid office. The outside scholarship will have beneficial effects. Scholarships are used to replace loans instead of grants if the student is over awarded.