Summary: The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) opens October 1 each year. Filing early maximizes your aid eligibility — many state and institutional grants are first-come, first-served. Use this checklist to gather everything before you sit down to file.
Step 1: Create FSA IDs (Do This First)
- Student FSA ID: Create at studentaid.gov
- Parent/Guardian FSA ID: Each contributing parent needs their own FSA ID
- Allow 1–3 days for ID verification before filing
- Store FSA IDs securely — you'll need them every year and for loan management
Step 2: Student Information
- Social Security Number (or Alien Registration Number)
- Driver's license number (if applicable)
- Federal tax return (most recent completed year)
- W-2 forms or other records of money earned
- Records of untaxed income (child support, veterans benefits, etc.)
- Current bank statement (checking and savings balances)
- Investment accounts (if any — stocks, bonds, real estate)
Step 3: Parent/Guardian Information
- Social Security Numbers for each contributing parent
- Federal tax return (most recent completed year) — use IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) if eligible for faster verification
- W-2 forms and records of additional income
- Records of untaxed income (IRA contributions, pension payments, etc.)
- Current bank statements (checking and savings)
- Net worth of investments (excluding retirement accounts and primary home)
- Net worth of business or farm (if applicable)
Step 4: School List
- Compile Federal School Codes for every college you're applying to — search at studentaid.gov
- You can list up to 20 schools on one FAFSA submission
- Add all schools before submitting — you can update the list later but it delays processing
Step 5: Key Deadlines
- Federal deadline: June 30 of the award year (but don't wait)
- State deadlines: Vary widely — many states have priority deadlines in November or December; check your state's deadline at studentaid.gov
- Institutional deadlines: Many colleges have their own FAFSA priority dates (often Feb 1–Mar 1); check each school's financial aid page
Step 6: After You Submit
- Save your Confirmation Page and Expected Family Contribution (EFC) / Student Aid Index (SAI) number
- Check each college's financial aid portal for any verification requests
- If selected for verification, submit requested documents promptly to avoid aid delays
- Compare financial aid award letters carefully when they arrive (spring senior year)