FAFSA Saturday and FAFSA Updates

3 months ago

BREAKING NEWS:

2024-25 FAFSA Student Aid Index Update and Timeline (read article)

Schools will begin receiving batches of FAFSA information (ISIRs) starting in the first half of March instead of January as announced earlier in the FAFSA season. 

What does this mean for students? You now have the entire month of February to get the FAFSA completed before the information is sent to schools. Financial aid packages may come out later than we hoped, but schools across the country are going to work as quickly as possible once they get this information. Keep checking your email for communication from your schools, but do not worry! Remember this is an issue that affects everyone.


FAFSA Saturday EVENT (see flyer below)

Who: This is a community event - if you have to fill out the FAFSA this year, you are invited! This includes current college students.

What: Get help finding funding for your future! 

  • Help filling out the FAFSA
  • Learn about other funding options from grant funded training dollars to loans and more!
  • Door prizes!
When: Saturday, Feb 24 any time between 12:00-3:00

Where: JDHS Commons


Who needs to fill out the FAFSA?

Students who want to be considered by their school, state, or federal government for financial aid (grants, loans, and scholarships) need to fill out the FAFSA each year. This includes students who want to use their Alaska Performance scholarship this year.

Remember families are not always aware of their need – you do not know what you are eligible for unless you apply. 


Do parents have to fill out the FAFSA?

Most of the time, yes. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form is the student's responsibility, but when a student is considered a dependent student for FAFSA purposes (which almost all of our students are), parents have a large role in the application process as contributors.


What should I do in advance? 
Both the student and contributors will need an FSA ID to fill out the FAFSA. Parent contributors may already have an FSA ID if they have filled out the FAFSA in the past. In that case, bring your login information (name/password). 

For new FSA ID's, it can take up to three days for your information to be confirmed before you can use a new FSA ID to submit a FAFSA. We recommend you go to studentaid.gov and “Create Account” at least a few days before our in-person event. If you do not get your FSA ID in advance, you can still fill out the FAFSA, but will have to enter all of your tax information by hand. We recommend that you get your FSA ID in advance if at all possible.


What should I bring?
We have a few loaner computers, but if you have a laptop, please bring it! If you did not get your FSA ID at least three days in advance, you will need your tax information from 2022.