Free Application for Federal Student Aid

An FSA ID is a username and password required to log in to and sign the FAFSA online. Both students and parents of dependent students need their own FSA ID.

Students: Create your FSA ID at StudentAid.gov. It takes about 10 minutes. If this is your first FAFSA, allow 1 to 3 days for account verification before using your new FSA ID.

Parents: If your child must report parent information on the FAFSA, you need your own FSA ID to sign online. The same FSA ID can be used to sign multiple children's FAFSAs since each FSA ID is tied to an individual Social Security Number.

Parents without a Social Security Number should be sure to enter all zeros when prompted for a Social Security Number, then physically sign the signature card at the end of the FAFSA process. Visit the Financial Aid Office at 301.846.2620 for assistance. A Tax ID Number (TIN) is not the same as a Social Security Number.

Important: Students and parents must not share or mix up their FSA IDs. The same email address cannot be used for both a parent and student ID. Sharing FSA IDs is one of the most common FAFSA errors and can delay your aid.

Create your FSA ID at StudentAid.gov

Gather the following documentation before you begin your FAFSA application:

• Your Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID and password
• Your Social Security Number or Alien Registration Number (if you are not a U.S. citizen)
• Federal income tax returns, W-2s, and other records of money earned. The required tax year depends on which FAFSA you are completing. For example, the 2026-2027 FAFSA uses 2024 tax and income data. You may be able to transfer your tax information directly using the IRS Direct Data Exchange tool.
• Bank statements and records of investments (if applicable)
• Records of untaxed income (if applicable)

If you are a dependent student, you will also need the above information for your parent(s) or legal guardian(s).

Complete Your FAFSA on StudentAid.gov

The FAFSA determines your eligibility for Federal Student Aid (FSA). After submitting, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) containing your Student Aid Index (SAI).

The Financial Aid Office uses your SAI to determine which types of aid you qualify for, such as grants or loans. The SAI is not the amount your family is expected to pay, nor is it the amount of FSA you will receive.

Read How SAI Is Calculated On StudentAid.Gov

The Direct Data Exchange (DDX) tool allows students and parents who filed a U.S. tax return with the IRS to access their tax return information and transfer it directly into the FAFSA form. Using the DDX saves time, reduces errors, and helps ensure your financial information is accurate. When completing your FAFSA, look for the option to use the DDX to import your tax data automatically rather than entering it manually.

Complete Your FAFSA on StudentAid.gov

Federal student aid is often misunderstood. Here are the facts behind some of the most common myths:

"My parents make too much money, so I won't qualify for aid."
There is no income cutoff to qualify for federal student aid. Many factors are taken into account, including family size and your year in school. Some schools won't consider you for any scholarships until you've submitted a FAFSA. Submit the form and find out what you qualify for.

"I don't have good credit, so I can't get a student loan."
No credit check is required for most federal student loans, and you won't need a cosigner in most cases. The exception is the Direct PLUS Loan.

"My ethnicity or age makes me ineligible."
Ethnicity and age are not factors in federal student aid eligibility.

"My parents aren't U.S. citizens, so I won't get aid."
Your parents' citizenship status is not a factor. The FAFSA does not ask about it. If your parents do not have Social Security Numbers, they enter 000-00-0000 in that field.

"I support myself, so I don't need to include parent information."
Not necessarily. Even if you file your own taxes, you may still be considered a dependent student for federal aid purposes. The FAFSA includes questions to determine your dependency status.

"I didn't qualify last year, so there's no point filing again."
File every year. Your circumstances, your school's available funds, and state aid programs can all change from year to year. If you don't submit a new FAFSA, you're automatically excluded from consideration.

"Federal student aid is just free money like grants."
Federal student aid includes three types of help: grants (which do not require repayment), low-interest loans (which do), and work-study funds (a part-time job on or near campus).

Complete Your FAFSA on StudentAid.gov