Have questions about the FAFSA?
We understand that filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can be confusing. Below you will find a variety of resources that can help you make the process easier.
Create a StudentAid.gov Account
The FSA ID—a username and password—has replaced the Federal Student Aid PIN and must be used to log in to certain U.S. Department of Education websites. Your FSA ID confirms your identity when you access your financial aid information and electronically sign Federal Student Aid documents. If you do not already have an FSA ID, you can create one when logging in to studentaid.gov and Agreement to Serve (ATS) at www.teach-ats.ed.gov.
VIDEO TUTORIAL: Create and Access Your StudentAid.gov Account
FAFSA Tutorial Video
VIDEO TUTORIAL: Completing the FAFSA Form
Who is my parent when I fill out my FAFSA form?
If you are considered a dependent student for FAFSA purposes, you will need to provide information about your legal parent(s) on the application. A legal parent is your biological or adoptive parent, or your legal parent as determined by the state (for example, if the parent is listed on your birth certificate). Unless, otherwise noted, “parent” means your legal (biological and/or adoptive parent. Visit studentaid.gov to find more information about Reporting Parent Information.
What’s the difference between a DEPENDENT student and an INDEPENDENT student?
Your dependency status determines whose information you must report when you fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form.
- If you’re a dependent student, you will report your and your parents’ information.
- If you’re an independent student, you will report your own information (and, if you’re married, your spouse’s).
The federal student aid programs are based on the concept that it is primarily your and your family’s responsibility to pay for your education. A dependent student is assumed to have the support of parents, so the parents’ information has to be assessed along with the student’s, in order to get a full picture of the family’s financial strength. If you’re a dependent student, it doesn’t mean your parents are required to pay anything toward your education; this is just a way of looking at everyone in a consistent manner.