The F in "FAFSA" Stands for FREE!

What is the FAFSA form?

To apply for federal student aid, such as federal grants, work-study, and loans, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.

Completing and submitting the FAFSA form is free, and it gives you access to the largest source of financial aid to help pay for college or career school. In addition, many states and colleges use your FAFSA information to determine your eligibility for state aid and school aid, and some private financial aid providers may use your FAFSA information to determine whether you qualify for their aid. 

How do I complete the FAFSA form? 

There are several ways to fill out and submit the FAFSA form: 
• Log in at fafsa.gov to apply online (recommended) 

• Complete a FAFSA PDF (note: you must print out and mail the FAFSA PDF for processing)

• Request a print-out of the FAFSA PDF by calling us at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800- 433-3243)     (TTY for the deaf or hard of hearing 1-800-730-8913)

Does it seem a little overwhelming? 

Did you know that you can contact the Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) for help completing your FAFSA form by calling 843.722.5509 or 843.574.6430?

And....EOC services are FREE!

When do I submit my FAFSA form? 

A good rule of thumb is to complete or update your FAFSA right after you file your taxes.

For the 2019–20 academic year (July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020), you can file your FAFSA form beginning Oct. 1, 2018. You will need to provide 2017 tax information. 

Note: Keep in mind that while the 2019–20 FAFSA deadline for federal aid is June 30, 2020, your state and school probably have earlier financial aid deadlines for students who want to receive the state’s or school’s aid. 

To maximize your potential aid, you should submit a FAFSA form as early as possible after Oct. 1, 2018. 

Note: If you previously filed a 2018–19 FAFSA form, you should see a “FAFSA RENEWAL” button, which will allow you to save time. It will pre-fill your 2019–20 FAFSA form with certain information from your 2018–19 FAFSA form. 

New! You can complete the 2019–20 FAFSA form using the myStudentAid app. Download the myStudentAid app in the Apple App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). The myFAFSA component—which is used to complete the FAFSA form—is the app’s featured function.

Note: If you downloaded the app prior to Oct. 1, you must download an update to access the 2019–20 FAFSA form.

Using Your FSA ID to Sign Your FAFSA Form 

If filing your FAFSA online, you will need an FSA ID, which is a username and password combination, to sign your FAFSA form electronically. Your FSA ID also can be used to sign loan contracts and to access certain information online. 

While you can create your FSA ID as you’re completing the FAFSA form, getting it ahead of time and using it to begin your FAFSA form on fafsa.gov cuts down on errors and delays. 

If you’re a dependent student, one of your parents whose information is reported on the FAFSA form will also need an FSA ID so that he or she can sign your application electronically. 

It’s important that you and your parent each create your own FSA ID. You should not create an FSA ID for your parent, and a parent should not create an FSA ID for you. 

For additional information on the FSA ID and to create your FSA ID, go to https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa/filling-out/fsaid