Filing the FAFSA for Undergraduates
To be considered for need-based financial aid (including grants, loans, and work-study), you should file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is available October 1 each year.
File the 2022-2023 FAFSA if you would like to be considered for aid for any or all of the fall 2022, spring 2023, or summer 2023 terms. The 2023-2024 FAFSA will open October 1, 2022.
The state of Ohio uses the FAFSA to determine state aid eligibility. As a result, it is important to file your FAFSA by February 1 each year. If you are not from Ohio, please check with your state's agency for higher education to see if an additional application is needed to be considered for state aid.
Process for Filing the FAFSA
In order to file your FAFSA electronically, you'll need to create your Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID. This ID will be used to authenticate your identity for numerous federal financial aid processes.
Based on the results of your FAFSA, we may need to collect additional information and/or documents from you to finalize your aid for the year. You will be notified via email, which will provide you with instructions on how to complete your requirements. Many types of aid cannot be credited to your student account until satisfied so please respond to any request for information within 30 days to prevent unwanted finance charges or cancellation.
When tax information is requested, it can be provided by using the FAFSA's IRS Data Retrieval Tool, providing a signed copy of your tax return (including any schedules filed) for the requested tax year, or by providing a Tax Return Transcript, which can be requested from irs.gov. When using the IRS website to request tax transcripts, a photo ID and selfie will be required, as an increased security measure.