Back To College Checklist: Don’t Forget Your FAFSA

As the fall semester approaches, now is the perfect time to make sure your financial aid plans are in place. Whether you’re heading to college for the first time or returning for another year, checking a few important items off your list now can help you later.

Your Fall Semester Checklist

Before classes begin, make sure you’ve completed these important steps:

• Create your Studentaid.gov Account online.
  • Students and contributors (parents/spouses when required) each need their own account to complete and sign a FAFSA.¹
• Complete your FAFSA
  • “Completing and submitting the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form is free, and it gives students access to the largest source of financial aid to help pay for higher education.”²
• Gather important documents before starting your FAFSA, such as:¹
  • Social Security Numbers
  • Federal Tax Returns
  • Records of assets or savings
  • Contributor Information
  • List of schools you are interested in attending
• Check Your FAFSA Status
  • Submitting your FAFSA is the first step. Be sure to log back in and confirm your application is processed and complete.³
• Contact Schools You Listed
  • “Many schools don’t create aid packages for applicants until they are admitted to the school. Contact the schools(s) you plan to attend to find out if there are additional requirements for receiving aid.”³
• Review Remaining Costs
  • After grants, scholarships, and federal aid are applied, consider whether additional financing may help cover tuition, housing, books, or other education expenses.

Need Help Covering Remaining Costs?

We offer flexible private student loan options through College Ave. to help bridge the gap. Learn more about what we offer with College Ave. below.

¹https://www.ed.gov/higher-education/paying-college/fafsar-what-you-need-know

²https://studentaid.gov/articles/things-you-need-for-fafsa/?int=off

³https://studentaid.gov/help-center/answers/article/next-steps-after-submitting-fafsa