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Financial Aid 
FAFSA Information & FAQ
Complete the FAFSA and see further information @ studentaid.gov
 

What is FAFSA? 
The FAFSA form, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is a form used to apply for financial aid. Completing the FAFSA form is the only way to access the largest source of financial aid—federal student aid—to help you pay for your education. The FAFSA uses a "financial snapshot" of the family to determine what kinds of financial aid a student qualifies for. 

How do schools use the FAFSA?
Students who submit the FAFSA form may become eligible to receive scholarships, grants, work-study funds, and student loans. Schools use the information provided on the FAFSA form to calculate aid packages and then put together an aid offer. It’s important to submit a FAFSA form every year you plan to attend college or career/trade school to remain eligible and receive aid.

When do I file for FAFSA? 
The FAFSA application opens on Dec. 31st. Before then, both students and contributors (parents) need to create your FSA ID account at https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch

Who is considered a "contributor" on the FAFSA? 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

What information do I need to have when applying for the FAFSA? 

  • Social Security Number

  • Driver's License Number

  • Federal Income Tax Return from 2 years prior-- example: for the 2024-25 FAFSA form, you will use 2022 taxes

  • Records of your untaxed income i.e. child support, interest income, or veterans' noneducation benefits

  • Records of your assets: savings & checking account balances, investments (stocks, bonds, etc.) 

  • List of schools you're interested in attending-- FAFSA will send your information to these you select 

 

What if we don't believe our family financially qualifies for aid, should I still file the FAFSA? 
Regardless of your financial status, information from the FAFSA will be used to determine eligibility for all aid, including grants and scholarships. Some schools will not disperse scholarships unless a FAFSA is on file at their financial aid office. 


College Priority Deadlines for FAFSA
Submit your FAFSA form by the priority date to potentially receive the most money from the college.

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Central College

Coe College

Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC)

Ellsworth Community College 

Graceland University

Grandview University

Hawkeye Community College

Indian Hills Community College

Iowa School of Beauty

Iowa State University

Kirkwood Community College

Southeastern Community College

Simpson College 

Southwestern Community College

The University of Iowa

The University of Northern Iowa

Wartburg College 

William Penn University

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