The 2009-10 FAFSA is currently available. The 2010-11 FAFSA will be available after January 1.
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on the web is the fastest and most accurate way for you to access federal, state and institutional money to help fund your education.
We recommend you complete the FAFSA worksheet instead of the paper FAFSA if you are applying on the web. The questions are in the correct order and it is easier to follow. The FAFSA worksheet is available at the DePauw Financial Aid office or in printable format (PDF) on the FAFSA web site.
Click here to begin the electronic process.
(If you choose not to use the on-line option, paper applications may be available in high school guidance counselors' offices or you can print one from a link available after January 1)
Both student and parent signatures are required when submitting the FAFSA.
Getting a personal identification number (PIN) will make the process simpler. You will be given the option of going to the PIN web site once you have begun filling out the 2010-11 FAFSA and returned to the FAFSA once the PIN application has been completed. Remember! The student needs a PIN based on the social security number, name as it appears on the social security card, and birth date and the parent needs a PIN based on the same identifiers in order to electronically sign the completed FAFSA. You can also be issued a temporary PIN to sign the FAFSA as you complete the process the first time. This will be a temporary PIN which will be verified by the Social Security Administration (SSA). If it passes the SSA edits, it can become the your permanent PIN. Make sure you do not share you PIN with others as it has access to very confidential information.
If you choose not to get a PIN for electronic signing, complete the electronic FAFSA, then print the signature page, sign and mail it to the federal processor.
If you want to try out the FAFSA process today, visit the Department of Education demo site to start an estimated 2010-11 FAFSA calculation. You will need the user name of 'eddemo' and password of 'fafsatest' to access the test site. It will give you an estimated Expected Family Contribution (EFC) based on the information you use when completing the form.
Need help completing the forms? Attend a financial aid night at your local high school where financial aid administrators volunteer their time to help you through the process.
Many states have started College Goal Sunday activities like Indiana where this year's workshops were held February 14, 2010 at locations all over the sate. Check the national College Goal Sunday web site for states and locations.
Be sure to check the DEADLINES for applying for need-based assistance.