FAFSA and Dream Act FAQs

Frequently asked questions and tips regarding Financial Aid and the Dream Act:

Who is eligible for financial aid?

- Demonstrate financial need (for most programs)

- Be a U.S. Citizen or an eligible noncitizen

- Have a valid Social Security number (with the exception of students from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau);

- Be registered with Selective Service, if you’re a male (you must register between the ages of 18 and 25);

- Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program;

- Be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible for Direct Loan Program funds

What do I need to bring to complete my FAFSA application?

- Your FSA ID (create one on fafsa.gov)

- Your Social Security Number or Alien Registration Number for non-U.S. Citizens

- Your Driver's License Number (only IF you have one)

- Your parent's 2022 taxes

- List of colleges that you want to apply to

- Any records of untaxed income such as welfare benefits, social security benefits, or child support payments

When should I apply for financial aid (FAFSA)? Is it renewable?

- You should apply for financial aid as early as December 1st of each year that you are in school. The deadline to be eligible for a full package of financial grants is March 2nd.  

My parents make to much money, do I need to fill out the application?

- YES!! College financial aid officers consider family income, the number of family members in college, medical expenses and many other factors when reviewing your financial aid application. So, even if you think your family income is too high for you to qualify for aid, you should fill out the FAFSA as soon as possible after Dec. 1. This form determines your eligibility for federal and state student grants, work-study and federal loans. 

How long does it take to find out if I'm eligible?

- The application process for federal aid takes approximately 3–4 months. Eligibility determinations for the BOGW Waiver is 5–7 business days. Be sure to apply early, so you know what you are eligible to receive BEFORE the semester starts.

After I fully submit my application, what do I do next?

- After you submit your application, continue to check your emails. FAFSA Department will email you if there is an error with your application and changes need to be made in order for your application to be complete. In the spring, follow up on your college application's portal and turn in all required documents to the college's financial aid office. 

** Dream Act FAQs can be found at this link .

What changes are there in the FAFSA application this year?

- There are many new changes coming to the FAFSA application this 2024-2025 application year! Please visit their website linked here for all of the new changes. If you have any questions, please contact your guidance technician. 

Tips: 

Many schools offer financial aid from their own funds. Find out what might be available to you:

• Visit your school's financial aid page on its website, or ask someone in the financial aid office. 
• Ask at the department that offers your course of study; they might have a scholarship for students in your major.
• Fill out any applications the school requires for its own aid, and meet the deadlines.