Applying for Financial Aid

Create an FSA ID

FSA ID

The FSA ID allows students and parents to identify themselves electronically to access FSA Web sites.

An FSA ID is made up of a username and password and can be used to log into FAFSA on the Web.

While you are not required to have an FSA ID to complete and submit a FAFSA on the Web application, it is the fastest way to sign your application and have it processed. It is also the only way to access or correct your information online, or to pre-fill a FAFSA on the Web application with information from your previous year’s FAFSA.

If you do not already have an FSA ID, you can create an FSA ID.

If you have an FSA ID but do not remember your username, click Forgot Username.

If you have an FSA ID but do not remember your password, click Forgot Password.

Miscellaneous Downloads

Brochures

This category has other information to help you understand financial aid and your credit.

This glossary will explain some of the terms used in “Financial Aid-ese”.

(.pdf, 48K)
Download Financial Aid Glossary
A brochure about the importance of your credit score, what goes into it and how to clean it up.
(.pdf, 493K)
Download Credit Brochure
This is the book that EdFund printed last year that has a lot of good information. 
(.pdf, 3464K)
Download EdFund Booklet

FAFSA

Completing the FAFSA

Filling out the FAFSA® form can be a straightforward and easy process. Below are some tips to help you along the way.

Fill Out the FAFSA® Form

HOW TO FILL OUT A FAFSA VIDEO

Try This Resource

The FAFSA Process graphic—Walks through the process of preparing for, completing, and submitting a FAFSA form. Includes information on what happens after the form is submitted.

Creating an Account

We strongly recommend you create your account before starting your FAFSA form. Your account username and password combination, called your FSA ID, gives you access to certain information online and allows you to sign your FAFSA® form and promissory notes electronically. While you can get your FSA ID as you’re completing the FAFSA form online, getting it ahead of time and using it to fill out the FAFSA form on fafsa.gov cuts down on errors and delays. Find out how to get an FSA ID and what to do if you forget your FSA ID.

Important note: If you’re a dependent student, one of your parents whose information is reported on the FAFSA form will also need an FSA ID so that your parent can sign your application electronically. If your parent doesn’t have a Social Security number (SSN), your parent won’t be able to create an FSA ID (which requires an SSN). This means you’ll have to select the option to print a signature page when you get to the end of your FAFSA form.

Gathering the Documents Needed to Apply

The FAFSA questions ask for information about you (your name, date of birth, address, etc.) and about your financial situation. Depending on your circumstances (for instance, whether you’re a U.S. citizen or what tax form you used), you might need the following information or documents as you fill out the FAFSA application:

  • Your Social Security number (it’s important that you enter it correctly on the FAFSA form!)

  • Your parents’ Social Security numbers if you are a dependent student

  • Your driver’s license number if you have one

  • Your Alien Registration number if you are not a U.S. citizen

    • IRS Form1040
    • Foreign tax return or IRS Form 1040-NR
    • Tax return for Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, or Palau

      Federal tax information, tax documents, or tax returns, including IRS W-2 information, for you (and your spouse, if you are married), and for your parents if you are a dependent student:

  • Records of your untaxed income, such as child support received, interest income, and veterans non education benefits, for you, and for your parents if you are a dependent student

  • Information on cash; savings and checking account balances; investments, including stocks and bonds and real estate (but not including the home in which you live); and business and farm assets for you and for your parents if you are a dependent student

Keep these records! You may need them again. Do not mail these supporting records to us.

For additional information please visit https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out.

 

FAFSA Worksheets

To Help Prepare for your FAFSA

Everything for the FAFSA.  Just add your Federal Tax information.
  •  Please view the PDF on how to complete the FAFSA
(.pdf, 214K)
Download Helpful Hints to completing your FAFSA
  • This is the paper copy of the FAFSA to give you an idea of the questions you will need to answer.  Use this to help you once you are ready to file the FAFSA electronically. 
  • Mailing the FAFSA paper will take 4 to 6 weeks to process. (we recommend that you submit your FAFSA electronically)
(.pdf, 2776K)
Download FAFSA
  • Esta es la copia impresa de la FAFSA para darle una idea de las preguntas que deberá responder.  Utilice esta opción para ayudarle una vez que esté listo para presentar la FAFSA electrónicamente. 
  • Si envía su aplicación por correo FAFSA puede tardar desde 4 a 6 semanas para actualizar su aplicación.
     (Le recomendamos que presente su FAFSA electrónicamente)

https://studentaid.gov/es/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out

(.pdf, 683K)
Download FAFSA Worksheet en Español

U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residency

Naturalization

 
Congratulations! 
In order for your financial aid to continue, please make sure that you alert the Social Security Administration that your citizenship status has changed.  If your new citizenship isn't changed here, any federal aid that you need for school or in the future, may be delayed or denied.  So complete it now!  It will save you many steps later.
  • This document will take you through the steps you need to complete to update your Social Security records.  It will allow the Department of Education's information to match up with the FAFSA so you can continue to apply and receive financial aid.
(.pdf, 246K)
Download How to update my Social Security record
  • Complete this form and bring it with you to the Social Security Administration to update your records.
(.pdf, 233K)
Download Social Security Card Application

Permanent Residents

In order for you to attend SCI-Arc, your records with the Department of Homeland Security must match the information on your FAFSA.  So if you've moved since you originally received your Permanent Resident card, you are required to alert the Department of Homeland Security within 10 days of your move.  Please do this as soon as possible.  If you have already completed this, verify the address they have on file for you.  You are also able to change your address online DHS
  • Your rights and responsibilities as a Permanent Resident are on this document.
(.pdf, 162K)
Download Department of Homeland Security
  • This form needs to be sent to the Department of Homeland Security for processing.
(.pdf, 42K)
Download DHS Change of Address form