Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ®)

What is FAFSA?

FAFSA, or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is a form that students in the United States complete to determine their eligibility for federal financial aid programs. These programs include grants, work-study opportunities, and low-interest loans provided by the U.S. Department of Education.

We understand that pursuing higher education can be a significant financial commitment, and we’re here to help you navigate the process. One essential tool in securing financial assistance is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Let’s explore what FAFSA is and how it can benefit you.

Key Benefits of FAFSA

  1. Access to Federal Aid: FAFSA is the gateway to various federal financial aid programs, including the Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), and Federal Work-Study.
  2. State and Institutional Aid: In addition to federal aid, many states and universities use FAFSA information to award state and institutional financial aid. By completing the FAFSA, you may qualify for additional grants or scholarships specific to your state or university.
  3. Low-Interest Loans: FAFSA helps determine your eligibility for federal student loans with favorable terms and low-interest rates. These loans can be crucial in covering educational expenses and are often more affordable than private loans.
  4. Understanding Your Financial Need: FAFSA calculates your Student Aid Index (SAI), which is used to determine your financial need. This information is crucial for universities to create comprehensive financial aid packages tailored to your situation.

How to Complete FAFSA

  1. Create an FSA ID: Before starting the FAFSA, both the student and one parent must create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID. This ID serves as your electronic signature and provides access to federal financial aid websites.
  2. Gather Necessary Documents: Have your Social Security number, driver’s license, federal tax returns, W-2 forms, and other relevant financial documents on hand.
  3. Complete the FAFSA Online: Visit the official FAFSA website to complete the application online. The form is available on December 31, and it’s important to submit it as early as possible to maximize your eligibility for aid.
  4. Review and Submit: Carefully review your FAFSA for accuracy before submitting it. Once submitted, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR), which summarizes the information you provided and includes your SAI.

Completing the form is a crucial step in securing the financial support needed to pursue your educational goals. We encourage you to explore the opportunities it opens up for federal, state, and institutional aid. At North Greenville University, we are committed to assisting you in the financial aid process and helping make your educational aspirations a reality. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact Financial Aid at NGU.

2025–2026 FAFSA Information

The 2025–2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid opened on December 1, 2024. This was a temporary change, and in future years the FAFSA will open on October 1.

Key Changes

  • At North Greenville University we will start loading FAFSA records as early as January.
  • The updated FAFSA will feature fewer questions, fewer requirements, and retrieve tax information using a direct data exchange from the IRS instead of the previous IRS Data Retrieval Tool.
  • The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is referred to as the Student Aid Index (SAI). It removed the number of family members in college from the calculation, allows a minimum SAI of -1500, and implements a separate eligibility determination criterion for Federal Pell Grants.
  • For divorced or separated parents: The parent who provided the most financial support to the student will need to provide their information on the FAFSA.
  • The updated FAFSA introduces the term contributor, which refers to anyone who is required to provide information on a student’s FAFSA form, including the student, the student’s spouse, a biological or adopted parent, or the parent’s spouse. Being a contributor does not imply responsibility for the student’s college costs.
  • Who counts as a parent on the FAFSA form? | Federal Student Aid

Next Steps

  • Create an FSA ID on the Federal Student Aid website 
  • Assist contributors, such as your parent(s) or spouse, in creating an FSA ID. An FSA ID is an account and password that gives you access to the Federal Student Aid’s online system and serves as your electronic signature. With the FSA ID, you can fill out the FAFSA, sign your Master Promissory Note (MPN), apply for repayment plans, complete loan counseling, and use the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Help Tool. If you already have an FSA ID, there is no need to create a new one. Your existing FSA ID will continue to work.
  • Please email the financial aid office if you are not filing a FAFSA. Finaid@ngu.edu

Terms to Know

  • Student Aid Index (SAI): calculated by the FAFSA data; will determine student aid eligibility. This replaces the EFC that was used in previous years.
  • Cost of Attendance (COA): includes tuition and fees, food and housing, books and supplies, miscellaneous expenses, and transportation.
  • Contributor: a parent, stepparent, student or spouse of the student who is providing information for the FAFSA.
  • Consent: required from all contributors in order for the IRS to share tax data directly to the FAFSA. If any contributor does not provide consent to share the tax data, the student will automatically be ineligible for aid.
  • Direct Data Exchange (DDX): previously known as IRS Data Retrieval; this tool imports tax data directly from the IRS to the FAFSA
  • FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS): A summary of the completed FAFSA information. This replaces the Student Aid Report (SAR) that was used previously.

FAQs

More Questions?

Get answers on the official FAFSA Help page.

FAFSA Help
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North Greenville University (NGU) admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.