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Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

To qualify for most financial aid programs, your student must first complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is a standardized federal form used by the college to determine your family's financial need. It serves as the application for most of the financial aid from federal and state programs and from college and universities, including student loans. You need to complete a FAFSA each year that you want financial aid.

File Online
The quickest and most accurate way to file the FAFSA is online. The online application is secure and includes online assistance and prompts. Paper applications may be requested by calling 800-433-3243. You also may download a PDF version of the FAFSA that can be submitted for processing.

File Early
You should submit the FAFSA as soon after January 1 as possible, making sure you meet any college or state deadlines. Iowa’s state deadline is July 1. You should check with your college or university to determine their priority deadline for financial aid. Missing a deadline can cause you to miss out on financial aid opportunities. [More Information]

File Your Taxes Early
You will need your (and your child's if he/she filed) 2007 federal income tax return to complete your FAFSA. It is best to have your tax return completed prior to filling out the FAFSA. If you are unable to complete your taxes, you may file your FAFSA using estimated tax information. You may find it is necessary to estimate on the form to meet any college priority deadlines. 

Be Accurate
You must complete ALL required items on the FAFSA form. Your application will be delayed if you fail to include your Social Security Number, proper signatures, or other requested information. Such a delay may cause you to miss a deadline or lose priority consideration. Gather all necessary documents prior to completing the FAFSA to be sure you have the required information. [More Information]

Find your PIN
It is helpful, but not required, for both you and your student to have a Federal Student Aid PIN. You will need your PIN to sign your child's online FAFSA application electronically. Your child will need his/her PIN to sign the application, make corrections to a submitted FAFSA, and to access his/her U.S. Department of Education records online. Your PIN stays the same so you and your child do not need to apply for a new PIN each year. To request a duplicate or apply for a PIN, go to www.pin.ed.gov. Remember, your application will not be processed without the required signature.

Keep Records
Keep copies of your FAFSA and all other documents you complete and send to the admissions or financial aid office.

Do Not Pay for Assistance
There are no fees required to submit a FAFSA. You should not pay anyone for assistance in completing your FAFSA. There are free resources available for help. Please contact the Information Service Center at 877-272-4456 or info@iowacollegeaid.gov for more information about reliable sources in Iowa.