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2011 FAFSA Resource Center
It's never too early to start thinking about filling out the FAFSA, especially when you consider the state of the economy and the continued rise in tuition. What you may or may not know, is that Federal Financial Aid and even some State Financial Aid programs award aid on a first come first serve basis. So much like the Discus Awards, where the earlier you submit your application the more scholarships you may be eligible for, we encourage you to start chipping away at the FAFSA if you haven't already!
What is the FAFSA? FAFSA stands for "Free Application for Federal Student Aid," and it is a form that is filled out for students each year and used to help determine the amount Title IV financial aid students are eligible to receive. The FAFSA should be completed every year by any student attending an undergraduate or graduate program in the United States, but this page is dedicated to providing you with resources to help you complete the 2011 FAFSA form.
If you happened to memorize the 2010 FAFSA form, you may look into picking up some new hobbies. In all seriousness, though, had you memorized the 2010 FAFSA, you would notice some changes to the 2011 FAFSA application form. These changes are fully detailed in the U.S. Department of Education's 2011-2012 edition of the Summary of Changes for the Application Processing System. Some highlights:
- The following two questions from the 2010 FAFSA have been deleted
1) "When you begin the 20XX-20XX school year, what do you expect your enrollment status to be?"
2) "Are you planning to complete course work necessary to become an elementary or secondary school teacher, either now or in the future?"
- FAFSA Question 31, regarding the types of aid you're interested in receiving, has been revised to read, "Are you interested in being considered for work-study?" The available responses are now Yes, No, and Don't Know.
To see all of the 2011 FAFSA changes explained in full detail, click here.
For information on the 2011 FAFSA, the best place to go is the official FAFSA web site:
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The Student Aid Report (SAR), which includes the EFC and a summary of other financial information, is sent to the student and the schools s/he lists on the FAFSA application. The schools then use that information to determine what financial aid package to award the student (if any).
The 2011 'FAFSA on the Web' application deadline is midnight Central Daylight time on June 30, 2011.
Make sure you check the 2011 FAFSA deadlines for your state, as well as the Federal deadlines. In some cases, state deadlines may be earlier than the federal deadline.
Note: "Date received means received by Federal Student Aid unless otherwise indicated."
FAFSA Advice: "State forms do not replace filling out the FAFSA. You must fill out the FAFSA to receive federal student aid."
1) Your Social Security Number
2) Your Driver's License
3) Your 2010 W-2 Forms and other records of money earned
4) Your (and your spouse's if you are married) 2009 Federal Income Tax Return
5) Your Parents' 2010 Federal Income Tax Return (if you are a dependent student)
6) Your 2010 untaxed income records (Veterans noneducation benefit records, Child support received, Worker's compensation)
7) Your current bank statements
8) Your current business and investment mortgage information, business and farm records, stock, bond, and other investment records
9) Your alien registration or permanent residence card (if you are not a U.S. citizen)
FAFSA - Apply for A Pin Number
You can use your pin number to apply online for Federal Student Aid and access your records online
The FAFSA asks for the school codes of all the schools you are applying for aid to. Here's the official FAFSA school code finder:
Here's a comprehensive list of school codes:
So, the following videos are technically about the 2010 FAFSA, however, we suggest you extract the important points from these clips and apply them to your 2011 FAFSA. That's just our opinion, though. Without further ado, lessons on how to fill out the 2011 FAFSA in motion picture form:
| Getting Ready to Fill Out the FAFSA - 2011 | FAFSA 2011 On the Web - Worksheets One & Two |
| FAFSA 2011 On the Web - Worksheet Three | FAFSA 2011 On the Web - Worksheet Four |
| FAFSA 2011 On the Web - After Submitting the FAFSA | The Five Minute FAFSA |
| Getting Your Federal Pin Number for the 2011 FAFSA | The Documents You Need for the 2011 FAFSA |
This is the 2011 FAFSA Information Center, but it is not meant to be an all-inclusive compilation of all the facts you'll need to fill out your 2011 FAFSA application. Here are some additional resources that will help you with the 2011 FAFSA, and answer all your other Financial Aid questions.
Best List of College Scholarships - From the Discus Awards
FAFSA Questions Blog - A blog that answers all your FAFSA questions and offers advice for the entire Financial Aid process
Federal Student Aid - FAFSA - Helpful FAFSA links from the Federal Student Aid
FAFSA Online - From the Student Loan Network, Get Financial Aid Application Help
Submitting the FAFSA - From College Answer
Financial Aid Applications - From FinAid
FAFSA Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid - From the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators
7 Easy Steps to Complete the FAFSA (Video) - From FinAid
How to Complete the FAFSA - From CollegeBoard
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