2024 FAFSA Guide

You and your contributors must create StudentAid.gov accounts (FSA IDs) to be able to complete the FAFSA. A contributor is anyone who is required to provide information on the FAFSA, such as:

• Students (that’s you)
• Parent(s)/Step parent(s)
• Spouses (if applicable)

While you and your contributors can technically create your StudentAid.gov accounts right before completing the FAFSA, we strongly recommend that you create them 1-3 days in advance instead. This will allow time for your StudentAid.gov accounts to be authenticated, so that when you complete the FAFSA, all of your personal information will automatically appear on the form. If you create your StudentAid.gov accounts right before completing the FAFSA, you will have to enter all of your personal information manually, which can take more time and hassle.

Completing the FAFSA is the first step you take in finding money for college. Filing the FAFSA makes you eligible to be considered for several forms of aid including federal, state, & institutional grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study. Make sure to complete your FAFSA!

Here is everything you will need to complete the FAFSA:

• Your social security number.
• Your contributors’ social security numbers.
• USCIS registration number for eligible non-citizens.
• 2022 federal tax information, tax documents, or tax returns, including IRS W-2 information for you and your contributors (this will be pulled electronically from the IRS, but is good to have on hand).
• Records of your untaxed income, such as child support received for you and for your contributors if you are a dependent student.
• Checking and savings account balances.
• Net worth of investments, including stocks, bonds, real estate (but not including the home in which you live), and business and farm assets for you and your contributors.
• A list of colleges (up to 20) you intend to apply to (if you’re completing the FAFSA for the first time). You do not need to be accepted to any of these colleges at the time of completing your FAFSA.

Wondering what happens after you file your FAFSA? You will receive a FAFSA Submission Summary in your email. If you filed in January 2024, you will receive your FAFSA Submission Summary in early February. There are a few things you need to be on the lookout for and aware of as your FAFSA is processed. You may get flagged for verification, meaning you may need to submit additional documentation. Make sure you follow up on any requests listed on your FAFSA Submission Summary or directly from your college ASAP!