Applying for Federal Student Aid

You may apply for Federal Student Aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) at studentaid.gov  To complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you will need:

  • Your Social Security Number (SSN)
  • Your Alien Registration Number (if you are not a U.S. citizen)
  • Your federal income tax returns, W-2s, and other records of money earned. (Note: You may be able to transfer your federal tax return information into your FAFSA using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.)
  • Bank statements and records of investments (if applicable)
  • Records of untaxed income (if applicable)
  • CALC’s school code is 039143
  • Your FSA ID to sign electronically. You should create your FSA ID before you complete the FAFSA because the process takes several minutes.  Students, parents, and borrowers are required to use an FSA ID, made up of a username and pass-word, to access certain U.S. Department of Education online systems. Your FSA ID is used to confirm your identity when accessing your financial aid information and electronically signing your federal student aid documents.  (If you’re a dependent student, you and a parent will each need an FSA ID) The username and password you create as your FSA ID will be used as your electronic signature for the FAFSA and for other federal websites

If you are a dependent student, then you will also need most of the above information for your parent(s).

Creating an FSA ID

Begin the process of creating an FSA ID (Federal Student Aid ID) at studentaid.gov and select the link to Create an FSA ID

  • Create a username and password, and enter your e-mail address. The password must meet three of the four criteria listed, and you need to remember it!
  • Enter your name, date of birth, Social Security number, contact information, and challenge questions and answers.
  • Review your information, and read and accept the terms and conditions.
  • Confirm your e-mail address and mobile number you entered when you created your FSA ID. Once you verify your e-mail address, you can use it instead of your username to log in to the websites. (You can use your verified email or mobile number to retrieve a forgotten password.)
  • Expect two emails from FSA ID Information. Keep the FSA ID webpage up and open a new tab to view your email. The first email says that you can now use your FSA ID. The second email provides a 6-digit secure code that you need to enter back on the FSA ID application.

Now you can use the FSA ID to complete the FAFSA. If your parent’s information is required on the FAFSA, at least one parent will need to get an FSA ID using a different email address.

Important: Only the owner of the FSA ID should create and use the account. Never share your FSA ID.

Consider these tips when creating your FSA ID…

  • Make sure you and your parent both have active email accounts.
  • Don’t use a high school email address because that might be deleted after you graduate.
  • Create an FSA ID before you complete the FAFSA because the process takes about 8-10 minutes.

6 Things Students Need Before They Fill Out the FAFSA® Form

More information is available at studentaid.gov 

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