FAFSA Step-by-Step
About the FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form you’ll complete every year starting on October 1. The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid uses it to determine the amount of Federal grants, loans, and/or work study funds you qualify for.
Watch our video on how to complete the FAFSA step by step.
New York State uses its own application. If you are a New York State resident, you can find a link at the end of the FAFSA application to help determine your state aid.
Am I Eligible?
Eligiblity Requirements for the FAFSA
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Have a high school diploma or GED.
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Are a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen. You are an eligible noncitizen if you have an Alien Registration Card, also called a green card. (You may also be eligible if you’re a refugee or have been granted asylum — contact us if you’re not sure).
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Have a valid Social Security Number. (You are not eligible if your Social Security number is for employment authorization only.)
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Are registered with Selective Service if you’re a male between the ages of 18 and 25. If you are not registered, you can request that you be registered on the FAFSA if you are under 25. If you are over 25, you will just need to speak with one of our Financial Aid Counselors so we can help you gain your eligibility.
Note: Your enrollment status (the number of credits you take) will determine what types of aid you qualify for after completing the FAFSA.
Your FAFSA ID
You will need a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID in order to access the FAFSA form online and electronically sign in. The FSA ID is made up of a username and password. Once you’ve created your ID, make sure you keep it somewhere safe.
Parents of Dependent Students
If you are a dependent student, your parent(s) will need to create an FSA ID, too, in order to add their signature to the FAFSA.
Note: Parent(s) who’ve already created an FSA ID for another child, or for themselves as students, must use that ID to log in to the FAFSA form.
Apply for the FAFSA
Access the FAFSA form. Enter your FSA ID. If your parent is logging in, they should enter the student's information. Select the applicable year of study and create a Save Key. The Save Key is a four-digit pin number that will let you resume where you left off. Your parent(s) can use the Save Key to fill in their financial information if they choose.
Answer questions about your name, date of birth, and other basic information. Next, you'll be asked to give information about the schools you’re applying to.
Monroe College's Federal School Code is 004799.
Dependent Status
Parents of dependent students must fill in their own demographic information. This includes biological parents, step-parents, or adoptive parents. If you’re not sure who counts as your parent, see answers on the FSA site. Find out the financial information required for dependent or independent students, as well.
FAFSA & TAP Guide
If you are completing the FAFSA for the first time, there are many details you need to be aware of before, during, and after you submit the application. Monroe's Financial Aid department has created a FAFSA & TAP guide so you can know every step in the process. You can also check out this great instructional How to Fill out the FAFSA video.
If you are completing the FAFSA using the mobile app, please watch this helpful video.
FAFSA Video
Learn everything you need to know to complete the FAFSA.