FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)- the FAFSA is a federal form to be completed by students planning to go to college or technical programs, to determine their eligibility for Financial Aid (student loans and grants).   Loans are money that you borrow that you must pay back, typically with interest.  Grants are money that you do not need to repay and are usually based on financial need.
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When completing the FAFSA, you base it on your household income information. Once submitted, the FAFSA will provide you with an Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The EFC determines what the student's family can most likely provide towards college expenses. The EFC is then taken from the Cost of Attendance (COA) to determine eligibility. 
                                                                          Cost of Attendance                    
                                                                             - Expected Family Contribution                 
                                                                      How much Financial Aid you are eligible for!

Financial Aid Presentation given by representatives of WVU on September 20, 2018
 
How to Apply

• Create a FSA ID for both student and parent/guardian at fsaid.ed.gov
• Visit https://fafsa.ed.gov/

Visit cfwv.com for more assistance in Financial Aid Planning.  

DEADLINES:

• October 1st: Application is available
• March 1st: FAFSA due for PROMISE

YOUR COLLEGE MAY HAVE A DEADLINE FOR THIS APPLICATION AS WELL! BE SURE TO CHECK!



Students and Parents: What You Need to Know About the 2017 - 18 FAFSA

FAFSA Frequently Asked Questions

Plan Ahead

• Complete the FAFSA4caster for a quick estimate on how much aide you may be eligible for

tips for completing the FaFSa

1. Two FSA IDs need to be set up (Student and parent/guardian)
2. Use different e-mail addresses for both FSA ID accounts
3. Double check that the Social Security Number (SSN) matches the Social Security Administration (SSA)
4. You do NOT need to be 18 to apply for FAFSA
5. The FAFSA is designed to have the student complete it
   1. When it asks for "your income", it is referring to the student's income
   2. At a later point it asks for the parent's/guardian's income
6. If eligible, use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (IRS DRT)
   1. The IRS DRT electronically transfers your federal tax return information into your FAFSA
   2. It saves time and improves accuracy when filling in data fields
7. Which parent's information should be reported on the FAFSA if they are separated and do not live together?
   1. Use the parent's information in which he/she has custody the majority of the time
   2. If custody is split evenly, use the parent's information that provides the majority of financial support
8. If your family income has significantly decreased, contact the Financial Aid Office of the college you plan to attend.  Colleges have the authority to make adjustments on a case-by-case basis when justified by special circumstances.

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