Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Where?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) should be filed at www.fafsa.gov.

When?

The FAFSA should be filed October 1st prior to each year that you plan on attending college.

Additionally, don't forget these annual state grant deadlines:

Why?

• It's free.
• It's the application for all federal, state and institutional aid programs.
• It is required for all Federal Direct student and Federal Direct parent PLUS loan borrowers.
• It must be completed annually if you want financial aid.

Why fill out the FAFSA online?

• It's fast.
• It has built-in edits and online help.
• Easier to make changes.
• Easier to renew annually.
• Enables you to use the IRS Data Retrieval tool.
• Links directly to the PA State Grant application.

How?

In order to complete the FAFSA, you will need:

• Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID.
• Students and parents can apply for their FSA ID at www.fsaid.ed.gov
• Use the IRS Data Retrieval tool.
• Don't forget: Waynesburg University School code: 003391.

FAFSA tips

• Although you can list up to ten schools, only list those you have actually applied to.
• You can add or delete schools from the list at any time.
• Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.
• Only list the required assets (Cash, savings, investments, etc...) on the form.
• Home value and retirement savings (401k, 403b, IRA's) and not considered FAFSA assets.
• If parents are divorced/separated, only list information of the parent you lived with the past year.
• If parents are remarried, their spouses' information must be used on the form too.

After submission

• After you submit your FAFSA, you will be notified by email when it is processed.
• Each of the schools you listed will receive the information from the USDE electronically.
• This usually takes less than 5 days.
• If you need to make corrections, go to www.fafsa.ed.gov, use your FSA ID and make the changes.
• If you have been officially admitted, an Aid Offer Letter will be sent to you from each school.
• The Aid Offer Letter will detail your financial aid eligibility and options.
• If you have questions, call the Financial Aid Office at 724-852-3208.
• Carefully compare and contrast all of your Aid Offer Letters.
• Remember: Direct costs (tuition, fees, room and board) minus aid equals your actual cost.
• Decide which school meets your academic, social, spiritual and financial needs.
• Let them know and let your other schools know of your final decision.

Special or Unusual Circumstances

Recent unemployment? Loss of child support or assets? Significant reduction in income? Death or disability of a parent or spouse? High medical expenses not covered by insurance? Any unusual financial or family circumstances?

Complete the "Special Circumstances Application" under the link "Financial Aid Resources" or call the Financial Aid Office at 724-852-3208.

If you have questions, you may contact any of the following: