Everything You Need to Know

Central Scholarship (CS): A nonprofit organization dedicated to providing scholarships and interest-free loans to students pursuing higher education and career training opportunities.

Cost of Attendance (COA): The total amount it will cost you to go to school usually shown as a yearly figure. It includes tuition and fees, room and board, and allowances for books, supplies, transportation, loan fees, and, if applicable, dependent care.

Dependency Status: A determination of whether a student is considered dependent on their parents for financial purposes or is independent, which affects the type of information required to fill out the FAFSA.

Expected Family Contribution (EFC): Now replaced by the Student Aid Index (SAI), this was a number used by your school to calculate how much financial aid you are eligible to receive.

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): The form completed by current and prospective college students in the United States to determine their eligibility for student financial aid.

Federal Student Aid (FSA): Part of the U.S. Department of Education, FSA provides grants, loans, and work-study funds for college or career school.

FSA ID: A username and password that gives you access to Federal Student Aid’s online systems and can serve as your legal signature.

Grant: Financial aid, often based on financial need, that does not need to be repaid (unless, for example, you withdraw from school and are obligated to repay the grant).

Loan: Borrowed money for college or career school; loans must be repaid, with interest.

Pell Grant: A grant usually awarded only to undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need and have not earned a bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree.

Scholarship: Money awarded to students based on academic or other achievements to help pay for education expenses. Like grants, scholarships generally do not have to be repaid.

Student Aid Index (SAI): A measure that schools use to determine how much financial aid you would receive if you were to attend their school. The SAI is calculated from the financial information provided in your FAFSA.

Work-Study: A federal student aid program that provides part-time employment while you are enrolled in school to help pay your educational expenses.

FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS): Previously known as the Student Aid Report (SAR), this summary provides basic information about your eligibility for federal student aid and lists your answers to the questions on your FAFSA.

Additional Terms

Direct Loan: A federal student loan, made through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, for eligible students and parents. Funds are borrowed from the U.S. Department of Education. Direct loans are available at participating schools.

Subsidized Loan: A loan based on financial need for which the federal government generally pays the interest that accrues while the borrower is in school and during the grace, or deferment, period.

Unsubsidized Loan: A loan for which the borrower is fully responsible for paying the interest regardless of the loan status.

PLUS Loan: A loan made to graduate or professional students and parents of dependent undergraduate students to help pay for education expenses not covered by other financial aid.

1. Start Early: The FAFSA generally opens on October 1st each year, but that’s subject to change. Apply as early as possible since some aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
   
   
2. Organize Your Documents: Before starting the FAFSA, gather all necessary documents, such as your Social Security card, tax returns, and bank statements, to streamline the process.
   
   
3. Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool: When filling out the FAFSA, use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to import your tax information directly. This saves time and increases accuracy.
   
   
4. Apply Annually: You must reapply for financial aid and fill out the FAFSA every year you are in school. Your financial situation can change, as can aid availability.
   
   
5. Review Your FSS: After submitting the FAFSA, you’ll receive an FSS summarizing the information you provided. Review it carefully for any mistakes or inconsistencies.
   
   
6. Understand Your Aid Package: When you receive your financial aid offer, make sure you understand the mix of loans, grants, scholarships, and work-study. Know which parts of your aid package need to be repaid and which do not.
   
   
7. Look Beyond Federal Aid: In addition to the FAFSA, search for scholarships and grants from state governments, colleges, and private organizations like Central Scholarship. These can provide additional funding that doesn’t need to be repaid.
   
   
8. Consider Your Dependency Status: Whether you're considered a dependent or independent student affects the information you need to provide on the FAFSA. Make sure you understand how to correctly report your status.
   
   
9. Explore Work-Study Opportunities: If eligible, work-study can provide a way to earn money while gaining professional experience during college.
   
   
10. Stay Informed: Regulations and opportunities in financial aid can change. Stay informed by regularly checking official resources and updates from the Federal Student Aid website and Central Scholarship.
    
    
11. Seek Help When Needed: Don’t hesitate to contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center, your school’s financial aid office, or organizations like Central Scholarship if you have questions or need assistance.
    
    
12. Keep Copies of All Documents: Keep a digital or physical copy of your FAFSA submission and all related financial aid documents. Having a record can be helpful for reference or if you need to appeal your aid package.
    
    
13. Be Aware of Deadlines: Missing a deadline can cost you eligibility for certain types of aid. Keep track of federal, state, and school-specific financial aid deadlines.
    
    
14. Appeal If Necessary: If your financial situation changes or if you believe your aid package doesn’t accurately reflect your need, don’t be afraid to appeal to your school’s financial aid office with documented evidence of your circumstances.

• Divorced or Separated Parents: Use the financial information of the parent you lived with more during the past 12 months. If you didn’t live with one parent more than the other, use the information of the parent who provided more financial support.
  
  
• Non-Traditional Students: If you’re an older student, independent student status likely applies to you, meaning you won’t need to include parent information on your FAFSA.
  
  
• Students with Children: If you provide more than half of the financial support for your child, you might be considered an independent student.
  
  
• Veterans: Veterans are typically considered independent students. Be sure to report any education benefits as part of your income.
  
  
• Students without SSN: If you're applying for FAFSA without an SSN, use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if available. When entering financial information, do it manually. Ensure all data matches the personal details on your legal documents. Sign the application with your FAFSA ID, and if required, mail in a signature page for verification. Always verify your identity as prompted and seek assistance from your school's financial aid office for any specific guidance.

Q: What if my family’s financial situation changes after I submit the FAFSA?
A: You can appeal to the financial aid office at the colleges you applied to, explaining your new circumstances and asking for a reassessment of your financial aid package.

Q: Do I need to file a new FAFSA each year?
A: Yes, you need to file the FAFSA each year you're in college to remain eligible for federal student aid.

Q: What is the difference between a subsidized and an unsubsidized loan?
A: With a subsidized loan, the government pays the interest while you're in school or during deferment periods. For unsubsidized loans, interest accrues from the time the loan is disbursed.

Q: Can I qualify for aid if I'm not a U.S. citizen with an SSN?

A: Yes, certain non-U.S. citizens can qualify for financial aid. Eligible noncitizens, like U.S. permanent residents with Green Cards, individuals with T-visas, or those with refugee status, may apply for federal student aid. While undocumented students and DACA recipients cannot receive federal student aid, they may be eligible for state or institutional aid, or private scholarships. Always check with your state or educational institution for specific opportunities and requirements.

Follow these steps to ensure a smooth FAFSA filing experience:

1. Gather Necessary Documents:
   • Social Security Number or Eligible non-citizen status
   • Federal income tax returns, W-2s, and other records of money earned.
   • Bank statements and records of investments (if applicable)
   • Records of untaxed income (if applicable)
2. Create an FSA ID (if you haven’t already) at StudentAid.gov.
3. Start Your FAFSA at fafsa.gov or use the myStudentAid app.
4. Fill Out the Student Demographics Section.
5. List Schools to Receive Your Information (you can list up to 10 schools).
6. Answer the Dependency Status Questions to determine if you need parent information.
7. Fill Out the Parent Demographics Section (if required).
8. Provide Financial Information using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool for accuracy.
9. Sign and Submit Your FAFSA with your FSA ID (and your parent’s FSA ID if you’re a dependent student).
10. Review Your FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS) and make note of your Expected Family Contribution (EFC).