College Financial Aid (FAFSA)

FAFSA: Financial Aid for College

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is how students apply for federal grants, work-study, and many scholarships. Most colleges also use your FAFSA to build your financial aid package.

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What You’ll Need (Checklist)

• FSA ID for the student (and for a parent if the student is a dependent).
• Social Security Number (student and parent). 
• Federal tax information (student/parent): most recent filed federal tax return and W-2s. You’ll consent in FAFSA to securely transfer tax info.
• Current balances for cash, savings, and checking.
• List of colleges you want to receive your FAFSA (you can add more later).

Tip: On the FAFSA, everyone who provides information (student or parent) is called a contributor. Each contributor needs their own FSA ID and must consent to transfer tax information.

Steps to Complete the FAFSA

1. Create FSA IDs (student and parent if dependent).
2. Start the FAFSA at studentaid.gov and select the correct aid year.
3. Add contributors (student/parent) and have them e-sign and consent to transfer tax info.
4. List your colleges (you can add or reorder later).
5. Review & submit. You’ll receive a confirmation and later a FAFSA Submission Summary.

After You Submit

• Watch for your FAFSA Submission Summary (review for accuracy; make corrections if needed).
• Your colleges may request verification—check email/portals and respond quickly.
• Compare financial aid offers from each college once they arrive.

Deadlines

• College priority deadlines can be early—often winter or spring. Submit ASAP for best aid consideration.
• Some scholarships and state/institutional aid also use FAFSA results. Check each college’s financial aid page for exact dates.

Common Questions

Need Help?

Have questions or need one-on-one help? Contact the School Counseling Office at 803-980-2221 or reach out to your counselor directly.

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