Learn about the FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required to determine eligibility to receive any federal money, but may also be used by individual colleges for awarding need-based financial aid. The FAFSA is also required to determine eligibility for certain state financial aid programs and can also be required by private scholarship providers. Using the link below, access the What is the FAFSA video (YouTube).
A contributor refers to anyone (you, your spouse, your biological or adoptive parent, or your parent's spouse) who is required to provide information on your FAFSA form. Click on each link below to view a video explanation. Who Is a Contributor on the FAFSA® Form? (Video) Who are contributors on your FAFSA? Who counts as a parent on the FAFSA® form? Why Do My Contributors and I Need Our Own StudentAid.gov Accounts for the FAFSA® Form? (Video)
Click below for list of items needed to complete the 2025-26 FAFSA.
Both the student & parent(s) FSA IDs must be made at least three (3) days in advance to starting the FAFSA. Below are resources to help you in this process. Financial Aid (FSA ID) Data Sheet Create an FSA ID/StudentAid.gov Account How to Create an FSA ID (Video) Troubleshooting Your FSA ID Account (Video) Instructions to Create FSA ID For Those Without a SSN (English & Spanish)
Higher Ed Immigration Portal has an excellent resource hub to provide up-to-date information and resources to support students from mixed-status immigrant families to complete the FAFSA. Any citizen student or eligible non-citizen can fill out the FAFSA, regardless of their parents’ citizenship status. If one or more of your parents is undocumented, you are still eligible for the FAFSA.
Top 10 Things To Know When Creating FSA ID For Those Without a SSN
A helpful guide to answer commonly asked questions and point you in the right direction.
We have an online library of FAFSA and financial aid resources to help you navigate the process.