The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available in December. Students and families will use tax information from 2020 to fill out the application. Here are the steps you will need to take:

 

1. Create an FSA ID: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa/filling-out/fsaid

You AND your parent/guardian will EACH need to create an ID.

 

2. Complete the FAFSA (available beginning December: https://fafsa.gov/

Submit the application as early as possible! Check with the college(s) you are interested in attending for their priority application deadline. Financial aid at many schools is offered on a first come, first serve basis. 

(Be sure to allow your FAFSA application to sync with HESAA the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority of NJ) https://www.hesaa.org/Pages/NJGrantsHome.aspx

 

3. Check your email in a few days and look for your SAR (Student Aid Report). 

 

4. Wait for your admissions decision letters and (eventually, if you've been accepted) financial aid award letters from each school you've applied to. 

 

5. Compare your financial aid award letters and make an informed decision.