FASFA: Your Gateway to Federal Student Aid
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has undergone a major makeover, making it easier than ever for you to secure financial assistance for your college journey. Administered by the U.S. Department of Education, the FAFSA is your key to unlocking grants, loans, and work-study opportunities!
Smoother application process: Say goodbye to confusing questions and navigation. The redesigned FAFSA boasts a user-friendly interface, guiding you through each step seamlessly.
Instant feedback: Get instant estimates of your potential financial aid eligibility as you complete the form, empowering you to make informed decisions about your college finances.
How Does the FAFSA Work?
The FAFSA evaluates your financial situation to determine your eligibility for various types of federal aid:
Grants: Free money you don't have to repay
Loans: Affordable financing options you can borrow and repay after graduation
Work-study: Earn income while gaining valuable work experience on campus
Remember, the completed form determines your aid eligibility for the fall, spring, and summer semesters of the academic year.
Visit studentaid.gov to access the FAFSA application and explore detailed information, including submission deadlines.
FAFSA Changes Introduced in the 2024-2025 Academic Year
CONTRIBUTOR MODEL
The FAFSA uses a contributor model in which a contributor is anyone who is required to provide information on the FAFSA form, sign it, and give consent to have their federal tax information transferred directly from the IRS into the form. Contributors could be the student, their spouse, their biological or adoptive parent, or their parent's spouse. For more detailed information, please visit the following link: Reporting Parent Information | Federal Student Aid
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to complete the FAFSA every year?
Yes, it's essential to complete the FAFSA annually to qualify for federal or state financial aid. The information submitted is valid for the entire academic year, covering fall, spring, and summer semesters.
Can I import my income information directly into my FAFSA?
Yes, the updated FAFSA form now enables you to directly import your income information from the IRS, which ensures the accuracy of your submission and may also speed up the verification process if selected for review. However, to do this, you must provide your consent for the IRS to share your Federal Tax Information (FTI) with the Department.
It's important to note that your approval and consent are required for the IRS to disclose your FTI to the Department. Moreover, granting this consent is a necessary condition to be eligible for federal student aid.
What if my family's financial situation has changed since filing the FAFSA?
Federal law permits institutions like PLNU to consider significant changes in a student's financial circumstances. Learn more about appealing for special circumstances on our website.
How do I correct a rollover from a retirement account on my FAFSA?
You can personally update your FAFSA by correcting the IRA distribution or Untaxed Pensions fields to "0." Alternatively, PLNU can assist you in correcting your FAFSA with the required documentation.
For situations involving rollovers, acceptable documentation includes the first two pages of a signed Tax Form 1040 or 1040A, clearly designating "Rollover" in the left margin. Please note that the IRS Data Retrieval Tool or IRS Tax Return Transcript does not specify "Rollover." Alternatively, IRS Form 8606 for nondeductible IRAs is also considered acceptable documentation.