SENIOR FAMILIES: FAFSA opens every year around October 1st!
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form is necessary for students to be eligible to receive federal student aid.
We strongly recommend that your child, the student, start their own FAFSA form and complete their sections first to save time and prevent errors. We know that isn’t always how it happens, though. Whether you’re starting the FAFSA form on behalf of your child or entering their form after being invited as a contributor, follow the eight steps below to avoid running into issues and to help your child obtain federal student aid.
Note: The steps below show the process for a parent starting the FAFSA form before the student. If the student starts the FAFSA form first, the process will be faster. In the case the student starts first, you should follow steps 1 and 4–7 as a parent/guardian.
- Create an account and gather documents. (FSA ID)
- Start the FAFSA® form at StudentAid.gov.
- Complete the “Student Personal Circumstances” section.
- Provide consent and approval.
- Complete the “Parent Demographics” section.
- Complete the “Parent Financials” section.
- Sign the FAFSA® form.
- Have your child provide their information, consent and approval, and a signature.
TIPS:
TRIPLE CHECK SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS and FULL NAME SPELLING entered when setting up your accounts.
Both students and parents/guardians should use a personal email when creating accounts. School email usage will expire.
Towards the end of your FAFSA, it will ask if you want to apply for State of Iowa Aid (If attending an Iowa college). Click yes.
Need help filling out the FAFSA? Iowa College Access Network (ICAN) is a great resource that can help you complete your FAFSA for FREE. Please check out their website for more information on how to schedule an appointment and what is needed when you meet. Click on schedule an appointment at www.icansucceed.org
They hold in person, phone and virtual appointments. This service is FREE.
Each college/university has a priority date that can be found here.
