This year students can access the FAFSA by visiting FAFSA.gov or by using the myStudentAid mobile app. The FAFSA should be completed as soon as possible after Oct. 1 to ensure priority consideration for some types of financial aid. It’s best to gather all necessary materials before starting the FAFSA. Since the 2021-22 FAFSA allows applicants to use 2019 tax information, families can use their 2019 return to complete the application ASAP. There's no need to wait.
To complete and submit the FAFSA online, students and one of their parents will each need to create an FSA ID (Federal Student Aid ID) at FSAID.ed.gov. This username/password serves as an electronic signature on the FAFSA and certain student loan applications, and allows them to access other federal student aid websites. It’s beneficial for families to create their FSA IDs before starting the FAFSA to speed up the application process. Visit UCanGo2.org to download an FSA ID Worksheet (in English and Spanish) to keep track of your information.
For more information and FAFSA resources, including educational tools and tutorial videos in English and Spanish, visit StartWithFAFSA.org.