...
By Soo Kim
Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
The deadline for submitting a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form depends on the type of student financial aid for which you are applying—federal, state or school aid.
The Federal Student Aid government website states: "Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form allows you to be considered for federal student aid.
"In addition, states and colleges use FAFSA information to award their own grants, scholarships, and loans. But, since aid is limited, you have to meet the deadlines!" the website warns.
Read More
Remember the Vicious Elizabeth Warren vs. Joe Biden Fight Over Student Debt? It’s Back10 min read
Democrats Must Go All-in on Student Loan Forgiveness | Opinion5 min read
How Free College for All Hurts the Most Vulnerable | Opinion6 min read
Here we look at how to apply for student aid through FAFSA and the deadlines for submitting the form.
When is the deadline?
Federal aid
For financial aid applicable to the 2020–2021 academic year, the FAFSA form must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on June 30, 2021. Any corrections or updates to the application must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on Sept. 11, 2021.
For the 2021–2022 academic year, the form must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on June 30, 2022, with any corrections or updates due by 11:59 p.m. CT on Sept. 10, 2022.
School aid
The FAFSA website notes: "Each college may have its own deadline. Check with the college(s) you're interested in attending.
"You may also want to ask your college about its definition of an application deadline. Is it the date your FAFSA form is processed or the date the college receives your processed FAFSA data?" the website advises.
State aid
Each state has its own deadlines for submitting FAFSA forms. "Many states and colleges set priority deadlines by which you must submit the FAFSA form to be considered for the aid programs they administer," the government website states.
The deadlines in some states have passed, while in California the deadline for many state financial aid programs for the 2021-2022 academic year is "March 2, 2021 (date postmarked)."
"Cal Grant also requires submission of a school-certified GPA by March 2, 2021. For additional community college Cal Grants: Sept. 2, 2021 (date postmarked)," the Federal Student Aid website states.
Students can view the deadlines for all states at www.fafsa.gov or find specific deadlines for their state using a search box on the website. They can select their state of legal residence and the school year for which they're applying for aid in the drop down menus at the website to see the state deadlines.
How can I apply?
Students can apply for aid by clicking on the "start here" icon towards the top of www.fafsa.gov and following the instructions on the screen.
The FAFSA form can also be accessed on the myStudentAid mobile app, which is available at Apple's App Store and the Google Play store.
Students are strongly advised to create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID, username and password, which will allow them to sign the FAFSA form electronically.
"Your FSA ID also can be used to access the myStudentAid app, sign loan contracts, and access certain information online. While you can get your FSA ID as you're completing the FAFSA form online, getting it ahead of time and using it to begin your FAFSA form on fafsa.gov or on the myStudentAid mobile app cuts down on errors and delays," the FAFSA website notes.
Students can see how to create a FSA ID and what to do if you forgot your FSA ID login details at the FAFSA website.
Information needed to fill out the FAFSA form
The FAFSA form will ask students various questions about them and their financial situation. Below are some of the documents and information you may need to complete your application, as outlined on the FAFSA website:
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines