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How To Apply

Financial aid can come from many sources, such as the State of Iowa, the federal government, colleges and universities, private businesses or foundations, employers and other entities. How do you get financial aid for your child to attend college? Just follow these easy steps:
  1. Search for Scholarships and Grants
    Scholarships and grants are one type of financial assistance available to students attending college and do not have to be repaid. Students must meet the specific requirements of the grant or scholarship program to be eligible. Scholarships and grants are available from the federal government, the State of Iowa, and private sources.
  2. Application for Admission
    Some colleges will not determine your eligibility for financial aid until you apply for admission and have been accepted. Complete your application for admission and all other materials as requested by the college.
  3. Complete a FAFSA
    To qualify for most financial aid programs, you must first complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The FAFSA is used by colleges and universities to determine your financial aid eligibility. You should plan to complete a FAFSA during your student’s senior year, as soon after January 1 as possible. You may file an electronic FAFSA on the Web or submit a paper application. The online application is the fastest and most accurate way to file. Over 70% of applicants complete a FAFSA online. 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.
  4. Your Student Aid Report
    Within 3 weeks of filing the FAFSA, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). The SAR contains information about your family's Expected Family Contribution (EFC), as well as initial information about your Pell Grant eligibility. Your SAR will be used by the college to determine eligibility for other financial aid programs. Review your SAR carefully and follow any instructions. If you need to correct or update information, contact the college or go online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
  5. Award Notification/Choosing Your College
    Once your student is admitted, each college or university you specified on your FAFSA will supply you with an award letter outlining the financial aid it can offer. This award letter will include the state and federal aid which are you eligible to receive, as well as college-specific financial aid. Your package will most likely also include student or parent loans. Evaluate the offer carefully and be sure you understand what is being offered. [More Information]
TIP: Research deadlines. Colleges will have specific deadlines for their admission application, scholarships and grants applications, and for filing the FAFSA. Make sure your student submits all of the required applications on-time.