HOW TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID

First Time Applicants
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step in applying for federal and state aid programs. The FAFSA includes all the information necessary to determine your expected family contribution or "EFC". Aid administrators use the EFC to determine your eligibility for financial aid programs. The FAFSA must be completed electronically via the Internet.

FAFSA on the Internet
Beginning January 1, 2003, you may access the electronic version of the FAFSA on the Internet. We recommend that you apply electronically. This process is fast, simple, and hassle-free. Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Renewal Applicants
If you filed a FAFSA, you will be mailed a PIN Mailer (containing your PIN number which can be used to access your renewal application through Renewal FAFSA on the Web), or a PIN Reminder email (if you supplied a correct email address and already have a PIN) or a Paper Renewal FAFSA sent to your permanent address.

Use the PIN number to facilitate filing your Renewal Application on-line. The PIN can be used as an electronic signature for filing the renewal FAFSA, the FAFSA, and for Corrections on the Web. Parents can now apply for PINS to use as an electronic signature for FAFSA on the web.

PIN Number
Using your PIN allows you (and your parent, if they have a PIN and you're a dependent student) to electronically "sign" your FAFSA. Parents' signatures are now accepted electronically by the federal processor.

If you or your parents do not have a PIN number and would like to file your renewal application on-line, go to www.pin.ed.gov and request that a PIN number be sent to you.

Need technical assistance with FAFSA on the web?
Call 1 (800) 801-0576, 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday.