FAFSA Tips

 

To ensure that The University of Iowa receives the information from your FAFSA, list "The University of Iowa" and the federal school code "001892" on the FAFSA.

Use your name and social security number as they appear on your social security card. If you social security card needs to be updated, contact your local Social Security Administration Office.

Although it is preferable to use a completed federal income tax return to file the FAFSA, you may use reasonable estimates. This will allow you to complete the FAFSA earlier.

Be sure to sign your FAFSA.

For additional tips, go to the Common Errors on Financial Aid Applications section of the FinAid website.

 

Filing the FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) should be completed as soon as possible after January 1 for the upcoming academic year.  The fastest and most accurate way to complete the FAFSA is on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov. You may want to print a FAFSA on the Web Worksheet.  The FAFSA on the Web Worksheet allows you to read and complete the FAFSA questions prior to entering your information online.

You will need to use a U.S. Department of Education Personal Identification Number (PIN) when completing the FAFSA on the web. Students and parents must request their own PINs. The PIN serves as your identifier to let you access your personal information in various U.S. Department of Education systems. You can obtain a PIN at the U.S. Department of Education PIN web site at www.pin.ed.gov.

If this is the first time you are completing the FAFSA on the web, after you complete the FAFSA, you will be required to print the certification page, provide all required signatures, and mail it to the federal processor.

The Office of Student Financial Aid will receive the results from your on-line FAFSA one to two weeks after you submit it.

If you are unable to complete the FAFSA on the web, you can either

            • print a PDF version of the FAFSA (available at www.federalstudentaid.ed.gov-- click on "FAFSA Filing Options") or
                    •  
            • obtain a paper FAFSA by calling the Federal Student Aid Information Center toll-free at 1-800-433-3243
             

The Office of Student Financial Aid will receive the results from your PDF or paper FAFSA approximately three to four weeks after it is mailed to the federal processor.