fbpx
Home
About
Blog
Shop
Contact

Guide to the New FAFSA 2024-2025

by Bethany Goldszer | Last Updated: January 9, 2024

Start here if you seek to apply for financial aid from colleges and universities in the United States. The form you need to complete is called the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. 

After you complete the FAFSA form, you’ll get an Expected Family Contribution or EFC. Your EFC tells colleges how much your family can afford to pay for college. Colleges will use your EFC and other required information (e.g., CSS Profile, your state’s application, etc.) to create a financial aid package for you. 

You need to fill out FAFSA to get a financial aid package from your colleges. While not hard to complete, the FAFSA can be confusing and overwhelming, to say the least. Therefore, we’ve created this step-by-step guide that will help you question-by-question fill in the FAFSA. 

The form refreshes every year on October 1, and you should aim to submit the form as soon as possible as aid is often limited.

2024-2025

Getting Started & FAQs

How to Answer FAFSA Questions

Introduction: Personal Identifiers​

Student Identity Information. These are the required Student Identity Information fields on the FAFSA

Student: First, Middle, Last Name, and Suffix; as they appear on the student social security card: Enter the full legal name exactly as it appears on the Social Security card, including any suffixes such as Jr., Sr., II, III, etc.

Student: Date of Birth, Month, Day, and Year (MM/DD/YYYY); Input the student birthdate using the format Month/Day/Year. This information helps verify your identity.

Student: Social Security Number; the last four digits will appear. The student must provide their full Social Security Number (SSN) for electronic signature purposes. The FSA-ID (Federal Student Aid ID) is linked to the SSN. If the student does not have an SSN, they can complete the FAFSA manually, but the process may be slower, and they will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) by mail.

Student: Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN); If the student has an ITIN, they may provide it. However, if the student does not have an ITIN, they can leave this field blank. ITINs are used by individuals who are not eligible for a Social Security Number but still need to report income for tax purposes. If the student doesn’t have an ITIN or SSN, they will still be able to submit the FAFSA, but it may affect their eligibility for certain federal financial aid programs.

Student: Mobile phone number; Enter the student mobile phone number if you are responsive to correspondence regarding financial aid and college matters. If you’re not the one handling these matters, it’s better to provide your parent’s contact information here.

Student: Email address; Enter the student email address that they regularly check. The Office of Federal Student Aid will send the FAFSA confirmation and Student Aid Report to this email address. If there are any issues with the FAFSA, the student will also be contacted through this email address.

Student: Permanent Mailing Address; This refers to the student permanent residential address, where they live and receive mail. If the student’s parents are divorced, and they split their time between two households, they may need to follow specific instructions in the Divorced Parents section of the FAFSA guide to determine which parent’s address to use. Providing accurate and up-to-date contact information is crucial to ensure the student receives important financial aid notifications and correspondence.

 

Student: State of Legal Residence; When completing the FAFSA, the “Student State of Legal Residence” is the state where the student currently lives and considers their permanent legal residence. Providing accurate information about the state of legal residence is crucial because it can impact eligibility for certain state-based financial aid programs and tuition rates at public colleges and universities.

The student will also need to certify how long they have been a resident of that state. If the student has been a resident for less than five years, they will need to provide details about when they moved to that state.

Dependent Student’s Parent Identity Information: These are the required the parent’s identity Information fields on the FAFSA

This section provides information about being a contributor on a FAFSA® form.

Dependent Student’s Parent: First, Middle, Last Name, and Suffix as they appear on the parent’s social security card: Enter the full legal name exactly as it appears on the Social Security card, including any suffixes such as Jr., Sr., II, III, etc.

Dependent Student’s Parent: Date of Birth, Month, Day, and Year (MM/DD/YYYY); Input the parent’s birthdate using the format Month/Day/Year. This information helps verify your identity.

Dependent Student’s Parent: Social Security Number; The parent must provide their full Social Security Number (SSN) for electronic signature purposes. The FSA-ID (Federal Student Aid ID) is linked to the SSN. If the parent does not have an SSN, they can complete the FAFSA manually, but the process may be slower, and they will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) by mail.

Dependent Student’s Parent: Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN); If the parent has an ITIN, they may provide it. However, if the parent does not have an ITIN, they can leave this field blank. ITINs are used by individuals who are not eligible for a Social Security Number but still need to report income for tax purposes. If the parent doesn’t have an ITIN or SSN, they will still be able to submit the FAFSA, but it may affect their eligibility for certain federal financial aid programs.

Dependent Student’s Parent: Mobile phone number; Enter the parent’s mobile phone number if they are responsive to correspondence regarding financial aid and college matters. If the parent is not the one handling these matters, it’s better to provide their contact information here.

Dependent Student’s Parent: Email address; Enter the parent’s email address that they regularly check. The Office of Federal Student Aid will send the FAFSA confirmation and Student Aid Report to this email address. If there are any issues with the FAFSA, the parent will also be contacted through this email address.

Dependent Student’s Parent: Permanent Mailing Address; This refers to the parent’s permanent residential address, where they live and receive mail. If the student’s parents are divorced, and they split their time between two households, they may need to follow specific instructions in the Divorced Parents section of the FAFSA guide to determine which parent’s address to use. Providing accurate and up-to-date contact information is crucial to ensure the parent receives important financial aid notifications and correspondence.

 

Dependent Student’s Parent: State of Legal Residence; The parent is asked about their state of legal residence. The parent selects the state from a dropdown box and provides the month and year when they became a legal resident.

Section One: Personal Circumstances

Dependent Student: The determination of whether a student is considered a dependent or independent student for the purpose of completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is based on a set of criteria established by the U.S. Department of Education. These criteria are designed to assess the student’s level of financial independence and reliance on their parents or guardians for support.

Dependent Student Status:

  • Age: Dependent students are typically younger and are usually under the age of 24. This means that if a student is 24 years old or older, they are generally considered independent.
  • Marital Status: If a student is married, they are often considered independent, as they are assumed to be responsible for their own household expenses.
  • Dependents: If a student has children or other dependents who rely on them for financial support, they may be classified as independent.
  • Military Service: Active-duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans, and members of the National Guard or Reserves are usually considered independent students.
  • Graduate or Professional Student: If a student is pursuing a graduate or professional degree, they are typically classified as independent.
  • Orphan or Ward of the Court: Students who are orphans, wards of the court, or in foster care may be considered independent.
  • Homeless or At-Risk of Homelessness: In certain cases, students who are homeless or at risk of homelessness can be considered independent.
  • Emancipated Minor: Students who have been legally emancipated from their parents or legal guardians are often considered independent.
  • Legal Guardianship: If a student has a legal guardian appointed by a court, they may be classified as independent.
  • Other Special Circumstances: In some situations, students may be considered independent if they can provide documentation of exceptional circumstances that demonstrate financial independence.
It’s important to note that being classified as an independent student for FAFSA purposes means that the student is not required to provide information about their parents’ financial situation when completing the FAFSA form. Instead, they will only need to report their own income and assets, as well as any relevant information about their spouse or dependents.

Student: Current Marital Status; Select the option that best describes the student current situation to provide accurate information on student FAFSA. Make sure to be truthful and accurate in your response to ensure that student receive the appropriate financial aid consideration.

  • Single (never married)
  • Married (not separated)
  • Remarried 
  • Separated 
  • Divorced 
  • Widowed

Student: College or Career School Plans; This question asks about the student  grade level when the student starts college for the 2023-2024 school year. Select the option that corresponds to your academic progression at the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year. For example: If the student is starting as a freshman, choose “First year undergraduate (freshman).” If the student is starting as a sophomore, choose “Second year undergraduate (sophomore).” If the student is beyond the sophomore year, select “Other undergraduate (junior year and beyond).” If the student is pursuing a master’s, doctorate, or graduate certificate program, choose the respective option.

Student: Personal Circumstances; The student is asked if any of the listed personal circumstances apply to them. The student selects the “None of these apply” option.

Select all that apply:

  • The student is currently serving on active duty in the U.S. armed forces for purposes other than training. 
  • The student is a veteran of the U.S. armed forces. 
  • The student has children or other people (excluding their spouse) who live with the student and receive more than half of their support from the student now and between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. 
  • At any time since the student turned 13, they were an orphan (no living biological or adoptive parent). 
  • At any time since the student turned 13, they were a ward of the court. 
  • At any time since the student turned 13, they were in foster care. 
  • The student is or was a legally emancipated minor, as determined by a court in their state of residence. 
  • The student is or was in a legal guardianship with someone other than their parent or stepparent, as determined by a court in their state of residence. 
  • None of these apply.

Student: Other Circumstances; The student is asked if they were homeless or at risk of being homeless. The student selects “No.”

At any time on or after July 1, 2023, was the student unaccompanied and either (1) homeless or (2) self-supporting and at risk of being homeless?

  • Yes 
  • No

If the answer is “Yes,” did any of the following determine the student was homeless or at risk of becoming homeless?

  • Director or designee of an emergency or transitional shelter, street outreach program, homeless youth drop-in center, or other program serving those experiencing homelessness 
  • The student’s high school or school district homeless liaison or designee 
  • Director or designee of a project supported by a federal TRIO or GEAR UP program grant Financial aid administrator (FAA) 
  • None of these apply. 

Student: Unusual Circumstances; The student is asked if unusual circumstances prevent them from contacting their parent(s). The student selects “No.” 

Student: Tell Us About Your Parents;  As the student is considered dependent, they are asked to provide information about their parents. The FAFSA® form considers their “Parent” to be their legal (biological or adoptive) parent. The student is asked if their parents are married. The student selects “Yes” and is required to invite their parents to their FAFSA form to complete the required parent sections.

When the student begins the 2024–25 school year, what will their college grade level be? This question is asking about the student expected grade level for the 2024-2025 school year. Select the option that represents where the student will be in their educational journey during that time. For example: If the student will still be an undergraduate student, select the appropriate undergraduate level. If the student will be in a graduate or professional program, select “Master’s, doctorate, or graduate certificate program.”

When the student begins the 2024–25 school year, will they already have their first bachelor’s degree?

Answer “Yes” if the student will have already earned their first bachelor’s degree before the start of the 2024-2025 school year. If not, choose “No.”

Will the student be pursuing an initial teaching certification at the elementary or secondary level?:

Answer “Yes” if the student plans to pursue an initial teaching certification at the elementary or secondary level during the 2023-2024 or 2024-2025 school year. If not, choose “No.”

These questions help the government determine the student’s eligibility for different types of federal financial aid and scholarships based on their educational status and plans.

Student Invites Parents to FAFSA® Form: The student is asked to enter personal information about their parents in order to send them an invite to their FAFSA® form. In this scenario, the student invites one parent.

Dependent Student’s Parent Dependency Status: Based on the answers provided by the parent, the student is considered a dependent student. The parent is asked if they want a financial aid administrator to determine the student’s eligibility for a Direct Unsubsidized Loan only. This is an option if they are unwilling to provide their information. The parent selects “No.”

 

Dependent Student’s Parent: Current Marital Status; The parent is asked about their current marital status. They select the “Married (not Separated)” option.

Dependent Student’s Parent: Personal Circumstances; The parent is asked if any of the listed personal circumstances apply to the student. The parent selects the “None of these apply” option.

  • The parent is currently serving on active duty in the U.S. armed forces for purposes other than training.
  • The parent is a veteran of the U.S. armed forces.
  • The parent has children or other people (excluding their spouse) who live with the parent and receive more than half of their support from the parent now and between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025.
  • At any time since the parent turned 13, they were an orphan (no living biological or adoptive parent).
  • At any time since the parent turned 13, they were a ward of the court.
  • At any time since the parent turned 13, they were in foster care.
  • The parent is or was a legally emancipated minor, as determined by a court in their state of residence.
  • The parent is or was in a legal guardianship with someone other than their parent or stepparent, as determined by a court in their state of residence.
  • None of these apply.
 
 

Dependent Student’s Parent: Other Circumstances; The parent is asked if the student was homeless or at risk of being homeless. The parent selects “No.”

Dependent Student’s Parent: Unusual Circumstances; The parent is asked if unusual circumstances prevent the student from contacting their parent(s). The parent selects “No.”

Dependent Student’s Parent: College or Career School Plans; The parent is asked about the student’s college grade level for the 2024–25 school year and if the student will have their first bachelor’s degree. The parent selects that the student will be a “First Year (freshman)” and that they will not have their first bachelor’s degree.

Section Two: Demographics​

Student Demographics: The student will be asked questions about themselves and their parent(s). Some of these questions will assist in determining the amount of federal student aid the student may be eligible to receive for school.

The answers will not affect the student’s eligibility for federal student aid, be used in any calculations, or be shared with the schools to which the student applies. They will be used for research purposes only.

Student: Gender; The student is asked about their gender identity and if they are transgender. The student selects their response from the options for both questions.

What is the student’s gender?

  • Male 
  • Female 
  • Nonbinary 
  • Prefer not to answer

“Nonbinary” refers to a student who does not identify exclusively as male or female. “Nonbinary” does not refer to a transgender student who identifies exclusively as either male or female. Transgender students should select the gender with which they identify at the time this form is completed.

Student: Ethnicity; The student is asked if they are of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin. The student selects all apply. 

Is the student of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin?

  • No, not of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin 
  • Yes, Mexican, Mexican American, or Chicano 
  • Yes, Puerto Rican 
  • Yes, Cuban 
  • Yes, another Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin 
  • Prefer not to answer 

Student: Race; The student is asked about their race. The student selects all apply

What is the student’s race?

White 

  • German 
  • Irish 
  • English 
  • Italian 
  • Polish 
  • French 
  • Other: Enter Lebanese, Egyptian, Iranian, etc. 

Black or African American 

  • African American
  • Jamaican 
  • Haitian 
  • Nigerian 
  • Ethiopian 
  • Somali 
  • Other: Enter Ghanaian, South African, Barbadian, etc. 

Asian 

  • Chinese 
  • Filipino 
  • Asian 
  • Indian 
  • Vietnamese 
  • Korean 
  • Japanese 
  • Other: Enter Pakistani, Cambodian, Hmong, etc. 

American Indian or Alaska Native 

  • Other: Enter name of enrolled or principal tribe(s) (Navajo, Blackfeet, Mayan, Nome Eskimo Community, etc.) 

Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander 

  • Native Hawaiian 
  • Samoan 
  • Chamorro 
  • Tongan 
  • Fijian 
  • Marshallese 
  • Other: Enter Palauan, Tahitian, Chuukese, etc. 

Prefer not to answer

Student: Citizenship Status; The student is asked about their citizenship status. The student selects the “U.S. citizen or national” option.

  • U.S. citizen or national 
  • Eligible noncitizen 
    • U.S. permanent resident, holding a Permanent Resident Card (I-551), or a conditional permanent resident with a Conditional Green Card (I-551C)
    • A Refugee, Granted Asylum, Parolee, T-Visa holder, or Cuban-Haitian Entrant, as per an I-94 Arrival-Departure Record from the Department of Homeland Security
    • Victim of human trafficking, as per a certificate or letter granted from  the Department of Health and Human Services showing a designation of “Victim of human trafficking”
    • A resident of the Republic of Palau (PW), the Republic of the Marshall Islands (MH), or the Federated States of Micronesia (FM)
    • A Canadian-born Native American under terms of the Jay Treaty

If none of the above apply to you, and you have any of the following documents, then you should select “Neither US Citizen or Eligible Non-Citizen.”

  • Neither U.S. citizen nor eligible noncitizen

Student: Parent Education Status; The student is asked about their parents’ education status. The student selects the “No” option.

  • Did either of the student’s parents attend or complete college?
  • Neither parent attended college
  • One or both parents attended college, but neither parent completed college
  • One or both parents completed college
  • Don’t know

Student: High School Completion Status; The student is asked about what their high school completion status will be when they start the 2024–25 school year. The student selects the “High school diploma” option.

Student Confirms High School: The student has the option to edit the high school information presented on this page by selecting “Edit,” which will return them to the high school information page. The student confirms their high school information and selects “Continue” to proceed to the next section.

Parent Killed in Line of Duty: The student is asked if their parent was killed in the line of duty. The student selects the “No” option.

Dependent Student’s Parent Demographics: As a parent, you will be asked questions about yourself and your child. Some of these questions will assist in determining the amount of federal student aid you may be eligible to receive for your child’s education.

The answers will not affect your child’s eligibility for federal student aid, be used in any calculations, or be shared with the schools to which your child applies. They will be used for research purposes only.

Dependent Student’s Parent: Gender; The parent is asked about their gender identity and if they are transgender. The student selects their response from the options for both questions.

What is the parent’s gender?

  • Male 
  • Female 
  • Nonbinary 
  • Prefer not to answer

“Nonbinary” refers to a parent who does not identify exclusively as male or female. “Nonbinary” does not refer to a transgender parent who identifies exclusively as either male or female. Transgender parent should select the gender with which they identify at the time this form is completed.

Dependent Student’s Parent: Ethnicity; The parent’s is asked if they are of Hispanic,
Latino, or Spanish origin. The parent’s will selects all apply. 

Is the parent of dependent student’s Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin?

  • No, not of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin 
  • Yes, Mexican, Mexican American, or Chicano 
  • Yes, Puerto Rican 
  • Yes, Cuban 
  • Yes, another Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin 
  • Prefer not to answer 

Dependent Student’s Parent: Race; The parent is asked about their race. The parent will selects all apply

What is the parent’s race?

White 

  • German 
  • Irish 
  • English 
  • Italian 
  • Polish 
  • French 
  • Other: Enter Lebanese, Egyptian, Iranian, etc. 

Black or African American 

  • African American
  • Jamaican 
  • Haitian 
  • Nigerian 
  • Ethiopian 
  • Somali 
  • Other: Enter Ghanaian, South African, Barbadian, etc. 

Asian 

  • Chinese 
  • Filipino 
  • Asian 
  • Indian 
  • Vietnamese 
  • Korean 
  • Japanese 
  • Other: Enter Pakistani, Cambodian, Hmong, etc. 

American Indian or Alaska Native 

  • Other: Enter name of enrolled or principal tribe(s) (Navajo, Blackfeet, Mayan, Nome Eskimo Community, etc.) 

Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander 

  • Native Hawaiian 
  • Samoan 
  • Chamorro 
  • Tongan 
  • Fijian 
  • Marshallese 
  • Other: Enter Palauan, Tahitian, Chuukese, etc. 

Prefer not to answer

Dependent Student’s Parent: Citizenship Status; The parent’s is asked about their citizenship status. The parent selects the “U.S. citizen or national” option.

  • U.S. citizen or national 
  • Eligible noncitizen 
    • U.S. permanent resident, holding a Permanent Resident Card (I-551), or a conditional permanent resident with a Conditional Green Card (I-551C)
    • A Refugee, Granted Asylum, Parolee, T-Visa holder, or Cuban-Haitian Entrant, as per an I-94 Arrival-Departure Record from the Department of Homeland Security
    • Victim of human trafficking, as per a certificate or letter granted from  the Department of Health and Human Services showing a designation of “Victim of human trafficking”
    • A resident of the Republic of Palau (PW), the Republic of the Marshall Islands (MH), or the Federated States of Micronesia (FM)
    • A Canadian-born Native American under terms of the Jay Treaty

If none of the above apply to you, and you have any of the following documents, then you should select “Neither US Citizen or Eligible Non-Citizen.”

  • Neither U.S. citizen nor eligible noncitizen

Section Three: Financials​

Dependent Student Financials: This is the first page within the Student Financials section. It provides an overview of the section.

The FAFSA form helps determine the student’s ability to pay for school. In this section, we ask about the student’s financial information.

What if the student has special financial circumstances?

Responses Don’t Affect Federal Student Aid Eligibility: Your answers to these questions will not affect the student’s eligibility for federal student aid or federal benefits.

Student: Federal Benefits; The student is asked questions about their federal benefits. The student selects the response that applies to them.

At any time during 2022 or 2023, did the student or anyone in their family receive benefits from any of the following federal programs?

Select all that apply:

  • Earned income credit (EIC) 
  • Federal housing assistance 
  • Free or reduced-price school lunch 
  • Medicaid 
  • Refundable credit for coverage under a qualified health plan (QHP) 
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) 
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) 
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) 
  • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
  • None of these apply. 

Student: Family Size; This section asks the student if their family size has changed since filing their 2022 tax return. The student selects the “No” option.

Is the student’s family size different from the number of individuals claimed on their 2022 tax return?

Family size includes: The student (and spouse), the student’s dependent children (even if they live apart due to college enrollment), and other people living with the student now. Include these dependent children and other people only if the student will provide more than half of their support between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025.

If YES

Enter the number of children or dependents who live with the student and will receive more than half of their support from the student between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025.

Do not include the student applicant.

If No

Student: Number in College; This section asks the student how many people in the family will be in college between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. The student enters a response into the entry field.

How many people in the student’s family, including the student, will be in college between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025? 

Student: Annual Child Support Received; Enter total amount the student received in child support for the last complete calendar year.

Student: Assets; The student is asked about their assets. The student enters a response in each entry field.

  • Current total of cash, savings, and checking accounts 

Don’t include student financial aid.

  • Current net worth of investments, including real estate 

Don’t include the home the student lives in. Net worth is the value of the investments minus any debts owed against them. 

  • Current net worth of businesses and investment farms

Enter the net worth of the student’s businesses or forprofit agricultural operations. Net worth is the value of the businesses or farms minus any debts owed against them.

Student 2022 Tax Return Information: The student is asked questions about their 2022 tax return. The student enters a response in each entry field.

Convert all currency to U.S dollars.

Did the student receive the earned income credit (EIC)? 

  • Yes 
  • No 
  • Don’t know 

Amount of college grants, scholarships, or AmeriCorps benefits reported as income to the IRS 

The student paid taxes on these grants, scholarships, or benefits. These usually apply to those renewing their FAFSA form, not to first-time applicants. If the student is married, include the amount their spouse reported. 

Foreign earned income exclusion 

Dependent Student’s Parent Finances: This is the first page within the Parent Financials section. It provides an overview of the section.

The FAFSA form helps determine the ability to pay for your child’s school. In this section, we ask about the financial information.

Dependent Student’s Parent: Federal Benefits; This section asks the parent if they or anyone in their family has received federal benefits. The parent selects “None of these apply.”

At any time during 2022 or 2023, did the parent or anyone in their family receive benefits from any of the following federal programs?

Select all that apply:

  • Earned income credit (EIC) 
  • Federal housing assistance 
  • Free or reduced-price school lunch 
  • Medicaid 
  • Refundable credit for coverage under a qualified health plan (QHP) 
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) 
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) 
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) 
  • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
  • None of these apply. 

Dependent Student’s Parent: Family Size; This page asks the parent if their family size has changed. The parent selects the “Yes” option.

Is the parent’s family size different from the number of individuals claimed on their 2022 tax return?

Family size includes: The student (and spouse), the student’s dependent children (even if they live apart due to college enrollment), and other people living with the student now. Include these dependent children and other people only if the student will provide more than half of their support between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025.

If YES

Enter the number of children or dependents who live with the student and will receive more than half of their support from the student between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025.

Do not include the student applicant.

If No

Dependent Student’s Parent: Tax Filing Status; This section asks the parent about their tax filing status. The parent selects “Yes” to “Did or will the parent file a 2022 joint tax return with their current spouse?”

Dependent Student’s Parent: Assets;The parent is asked about their assets. The parent enters a response in each entry field.

Dependent Student’s Parent: Number in College; This section asks the parent how many people in the family will be in college between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. The parent enters a response into the entry field.

Dependent Student’s Parent: Tax Return Information; The parent is asked questions about their 2022 tax return. The parent enters a response in each entry field.

Dependent Student’s Parent: Other Parent Information; The parent is asked to provide information about their spouse or partner. 

Section Four: Colleges

Student Colleges: This is the first page in the Select Colleges section, which is the final part of the FAFSA® form’s student section to require information. It provides an overview of the section.

On the FAFSA online application, the student can list up to 10 colleges and universities. The paper application allows for listing 4 schools. The schools listed are confidential and will not be shared with other institutions on the list. The student should include all the schools they apply to, even if the application has not been submitted. If there are more than ten schools, the student can submit the FAFSA with the initial 10. After the form is processed (following receipt of the Student Aid Report), the student can log in, revise the application to include additional schools, and resubmit the form.

Please make sure the student checks with the added colleges to confirm they received the SAR. To find FAFSA codes for the student’s school, they can use the search feature in FAFSA or use this list.

Student: College Search; The student is asked to search for the colleges and/or career schools they would like to receive their FAFSA® information. The student searches for a school by entering a state, city, and/or school name. After selecting “Search,” they select the correct school from the search results. Students can select to send their FAFSA information to a maximum of 20 schools.

Where should the student send the FAFSA information?

Student: Selected Colleges; The student can view which colleges and/or career schools they have selected. If the student has not selected 20 schools, they have the option to search and select more schools, and for students in some states, they have the option to change the position of their selected schools. When the student selects “Continue,” they will have completed entering the required student information for their section and can proceed to review and sign their form.

If the student can’t find a school when searching by School Name or State, try searching by School Code.

Enter the schools that should receive the student’s FAFSA information.

  • Federal School Code 
  • College  name 
  • Address
  • City
  • State

Student: Review Page; The review page displays the responses that the student has provided in the FAFSA® form. The student can view all their responses by selecting “Expand All” or expand each section individually. To edit a response, the student can select the question’s hyperlink and will be taken to the corresponding page. Additionally, since the student invited their parent into the form, they see the parent contributor section and the status of their parent’s invite.

Student: FAFSA Confirmation; Upon submitting the student’s FAFSA® form, the parent is presented with an abbreviated confirmation page. This page displays information about tracking the student’s FAFSA form and next steps. The student will receive an email with the full, detailed confirmation. With the student and parent sections completed and signed, the FAFSA form is now considered complete and submitted for processing.

Section Five: Signature

Student Consent, Approval, and Signature: If the student does not provide approval by filling in the circle below and providing their signature, they will not be eligible for federal student aid.

Student: Signature; On this section, the student acknowledges the terms and conditions of the FAFSA® form and signs their section. After agreeing and signing, the student is able to submit their section of the FAFSA form. Since parent information has not been provided, the FAFSA form is not considered complete and can’t be processed yet.

Students Approval to transfer federal tax information from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

Student: Section Complete; Upon signing the student section, the student is presented with the student section complete page. This page displays information for the student about next steps, including tracking their FAFSA® form. The student is reminded that their form is not completed and can’t be submitted until the parent completes the contributor section of the form and signs it. Next, in this scenario, the student’s invited parent will enter the FAFSA form and complete the parent section.

Dependent Student’s Parent Review Page: The review page displays the responses that the parent has provided in the FAFSA® form. In this scenario, the parent can only view responses within the parent section of the student’s FAFSA form. The parent can view all their responses by selecting “Expand All” or expand each section individually. To edit a response, the parent can select the question’s hyperlink to be taken to the corresponding page.

Dependent Student’s Parent: Signature; On this section, the parent acknowledges the terms and conditions of the FAFSA® form and signs their section. Since all required sections are complete, the parent can both sign and submit the student’s FAFSA form.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Was this article helpful?
YesNo
Bethany Goldszer is top college admissions and financial aid expert. She's been featured in HuffPost, USA Today, Newsday, Queens Gazette, and Official Black Wall Street & voted Best of Long Island. Faced with the overwhelming stress of applying, getting admitted to and financing her University of Chicago education, she started Stand Out College Prep LLC in 2012 so that no student or parent would have to go through this process alone. Over the last 15 years, Bethany has worked with over 1,500 students, helping them and their parents get into their top choice colleges and secure more than $20M in financial aid and scholarships. And each year, she continues to help more students stand out in the college admissions process and their parents navigate financial aid and scholarships.