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)
The Higher Education Act prohibits the use of data for any purpose other than determining and awarding federal assistance. It is set to expire in 2025 and there are concerns about how information will be shared across government agencies for mixed-status families completing the FAFSA this year. The information submitted to Federal Student Aid (FSA) for completion of the FAFSA may be shared with other government agencies outside of FSA and the U.S. Department of Education. We are recommending students make the most informed decision for their families with transparent understanding of the FAFSA and prioritizing their need to access and afford college.
Top 10 Things To Know When Creating FSA ID For Those Without a SSN
FAFSA Hub for Mixed-Status Families (Higher Ed Immigration Portal)
Guidance for Mixed-Status Families (as of 12/16/24)
Student who doesn't want to include parent options: 1) Students can choose not to submit a FAFSA and will not receive any federal aid. 2) Students can select within the FAFSA form that a parent refuses to provide information, which allows direct unsubsidized loans to be the only federal aid offered to the student. 3) Students could consider alternative options for postsecondary such as community college, paying out of pocket, utilizing institutional or Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) scholarships, or completing stackable credentials that can be paid for out of pocket.Student who will include undocumented parents:1) If one parent does have a Social Security number (SSN) and they filed 2023 taxes as married filing joint, they could have the parent with the SSN create an FSA ID (studentaid.gov account). 2) If both parents are undocumented, they both will need to create an FSA ID (studentaid.gov account). Until further notice, FSA has suspended the manual verification process which would require individuals to submit personal documentation. 3) If parents did not file 2023 taxes or filed 2023 taxes as anything other than married filing joint, they both will need to create FSA IDs (studentaid.gov accounts).
The Presidents’ Alliance guide (to help counselors speak with families)
Federal Student Aid update (regarding studentaid.gov account creation without 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.