How to Apply for FAFSA

Is it time for you to get your college game on? If you are planning to start college in the fall semester of 2024, the answer is a resounding YES! 

So, now what? 

One of the first things you need to take care of is filing your FAFSA. Do you know how to apply for FAFSA? If your answer is yes, no, or even maybe — this blog is for you! Read through these FAFSA tips, and save yourself some time when it comes time to file. 

Just do it — you can thank us later. 

When is the FAFSA deadline? 

The 2024 state FAFSA deadline for Indiana is April 15, 2024, but it is recommended that you file the FAFSA as soon as possible. (Most colleges offer awards on a first-come, first-served basis.) 

To find your state’s FAFSA deadline, click here.  

How to Add Colleges to FAFSA

The FAFSA allows you to automatically send your information to up to 10 colleges and universities. You can look up schools within the application or enter the unique school code directly.

Grace College’s school code is 001800. 

Other FAFSA Tips

• The first thing you need to do is create an FSA ID to electronically sign your federal student aid documents. This ID will also allow you to log in to the FAFSA and begin your application.
• The second thing you’ll need to do is determine which parent(s) will be contributors on your FAFSA and need to create their own FSA ID.

Note: Creating the FSA ID can take several days, so don’t wait until the last minute. A parent will also need to create an FSA ID to sign your FAFSA if you’re under 24.

• You’ll need several things on hand in order to complete your FAFSA, and having them ready when you begin will save you a great deal of time and stress. According to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, here is what you need in order to fill out your application:
  • Social Security Number
  • Alien Registration Number (if you’re not a U.S. citizen)
  • Your prior year’s federal income tax returns, W-2s, and other records of money earned. Good news! You can use the auto-retrieval tool from the IRS too.  
  • Bank statements and records of investments (if applicable)
  • Records of untaxed income (if applicable)
  • An FSA ID to sign electronically

Note: If you’re a dependent student, then you’ll need most of this information from your parents as well.

• Once you begin your FAFSA, save your information along the way in case you need to stop or have missing information that you need to collect. This way, you can go back in and continue later.
• Triple check your information! Mistakes cause delays in processing. These delays could push you outside the deadline if you are cutting it close. It pays to be accurate and early!
• Both you and a parent have to sign the FAFSA. Your FAFSA won’t be processed until both signatures are on your application. If you and a parent complete the FAFSA together, you will not have to save your application and log in to complete this part. 

Would you like more information about how to apply for FAFSA?

If you need additional questions answered about how to apply for FAFSA, or if you have special circumstances, Grace College’s Office of Financial Aid is committed to helping students and families understand the financial aid process. Please contact our office at 800-544-7223 ext. 6162 for help. 

Alternatively, feel free to contact your admissions counselor, and he or she can easily get you the information you need in your college selection process.