The FAFSA (the Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the first step in the financial aid process. You use it to
apply for federal aid, such as grants, loans and work-study. In addition, Pennsylvania and most schools use information from
the FAFSA to award non-federal aid.
To be sure that a financial aid package contains aid from as many sources as possible submit the FAFSA as soon as possible
after January 1st.
Fillinf out a tax return first will make completing the FAFSA easier. However, subnitting a tax return to the IRS before
submitting the FAFSA is not necessary. Inaccurate information on the FAFSA may delay the receipt of federal student aid. Federal
aid improperly received based upon incorrect information must be returned.
More information on student aid can be found at:
www.studentaid.ed.gov;
www.students.gov; The Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243; and your local library's reference section.
