Scholarship U

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is a necessary requirement for all students seeking Federal financial aid for higher education in the United States. This application determines how much financial aid a student is eligible to receive from the government based on need, and often, students are required to fill out the FAFSA when applying for scholarships.

Creating an FSA ID

If this is your first time completing a FAFSA, you will need to create an FSA ID. The FSA ID is a username and password that is unique to each individual. It is used by students and parents to access the U.S. Department of Education websites and will serve as an electronic signature to sign FSA documents, such as the FAFSA. If you are a dependent student, your parent will need to create their own FSA ID to electronically sign your FAFSA. You can create an FSA ID by visiting https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.

Seven Easy Steps to Complete Your FAFSA

1. Start the FAFSA® form at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa – Students should click “Enter your (the student’s) FSA ID” to enter student FSA ID username and password, click “Next” and create a save key. A save key is a temporary password that allows you to save the FAFSA form and return to it later.
2. Fill out Student Demographics section – Student’s name, date of birth, etc. If you have completed the FAFSA in the past or if you log into the FAFSA with your FSA ID, this info may auto-populate. Double check your personal information exactly as it appears on your Social Security card.
3. List schools you want your FAFSA sent – In School Selection section of FAFSA, enter Washington State College of Ohio’s School Code = 010453. You can add up to 10 school codes per transaction.
4. Answer dependency status questions – In the dependency status section, you’ll be asked a series of questions to determine whether you are required to provide parent information. Even if you live on your own, support yourself, and file taxes on your own, you may still be considered a dependent student for federal student aid purposes. If you are determined to be a dependent student, you are required to report parent information.
5. Fill out Parent Demographics section – This is where parent(s) will provide basic information. Remember that it doesn’t matter if you do not live with your parent(s); you will need to report information about them if you are determined to be a dependent student. "Parent" means your legal (biological or adoptive) parent and/or stepparent, or a person that has been determined by the state to be your legal parent. If your parents live together, you must report both parents on the FAFSA (even if they have never married or are separated/divorced).
6. Complete your financial information – Here is where you (and your parent(s), if applicable) will provide financial information. The IRS DRT allows you to import your IRS tax information into the FAFSA form in just a few clicks. Using this tool also may reduce the amount of paperwork needed by your school. To access this tool, you’ll see a “LINK TO IRS” button. Choose that option and follow the prompts.
7. Sign and submit your FAFSA – The FAFSA is not complete until has been SINGED by you (and your parent, if you’re a dependent student). The quickest and easiest way to sign your FAFSA is online with your FSA ID.