Guide to the FAFSA

Step 1:
Apply and receive admissions to the university you would like to attend.

Step 2:
You may apply for a Personal Identification Number (PIN) at www.pin.ed.gov. Once you apply for a PIN, you will receive it in 7-10 days by mail, or 14 days by e-mail. With your PIN, you may access your FAFSA, sign your FAFSA electronically or sign your Master Promissory Note (MPN) electronically.

Step 3:
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application will determine the type(s) of federal aid for which you are eligible.

To complete the FAFSA you will need the Title IV code for each school you list on the application. You can obtain each school’s Title IV code at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/FOTWWebApp/FSLookupServlet.

Your financial need will be determined by the school. The financial aid office calculates your need by subtracting your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from the Cost of Attendance (COA). Information from the FAFSA helps determine your EFC. Your EFC will be the same at any college you plan to attend. The COA, however, varies and will usually include the following: tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies and personal and other miscellaneous expenses.

Once your FAFSA has been processed, your school will notify you of the type and the amount of financial aid that you may be eligible to receive.

Step 4:
You will receive a Student Aid Report and your school will receive an Institutional Student Information Report (ISIR).