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Entering Freshmen

Applying for ALL Georgia State Aid Programs

Completing the FAFSA is the most widely used process and the one recommended ensuring consideration for ALL programs administered by the Office of Student Financial Aid, including the HOPE Scholarship for Georgia Residents. Students planning to attend Georgia State University must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the HOPE Application, or GSFAPP. You can access the FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov and the GSFAPP at http://gacollege411.org.

General Information

To receive financial aid through Georgia State University, each student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. The FAFSA is used to determine eligibility for many scholarships (including general scholarships from the University) and to award a student financial aid in the form of grants, work study, and federal loans. (Alternative educational loans must be applied for separately through a private lender or bank.) The FAFSA is available for completion on January 1 prior to the upcoming aid year, and must be submitted (with valid signatures) by Georgia State’s April 1 priority deadline.

Please Note: Students and parents who have already filed their 2011 tax returns with the IRS will be given the opportunity to use the new IRS Data Retrieval Tool when completing your 2012-2013 FAFSA on-line. This tool is a quick and easy way to transfer information from federal tax returns directly into your FAFSA.  Note: If you do not or cannot use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool and you are selected for verification, you will be required to contact the IRS to obtain tax transcript(s) at 1-800-908-9946 or www.irs.gov which may delay processing of your application between 3 – 8 weeks.

Georgia State’s Title IV school code for the FAFSA is 001574.

The FAFSA can be completed online or on paper. Although the online FAFSA is the preferred method, a student can request up to three paper FAFSAs by calling the Federal Student Aid Information Center toll-free at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).

Before you complete the FAFSA, you will need a Personal Identification Number (PIN) from the Department of Education. After you have completed the FAFSA, you will receive an Estimated Family Contribution (EFC). After you have completed the FAFSA, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR).

Documents needed for the FAFSA

It is helpful to assemble the documents needed to complete the FAFSA ahead of time.
Students and parents will need:

  • Social Security Number
  • Driver’s license
  • Income tax return
  • Bank Statements
  • Investment records

Provide additional information if requested. Some students will be required to complete the process of verification. Verification is the process in which OSFA must verify that the information on the FAFSA is accurate. If you are selected for Verification, you must complete the Verification process before any awards will be finalized. Our office will contact you about submitting additional required documents. OSFA will submit any and all changes required as a result of Verification.

FAFSA Tips

The FAFSA is required each year when applying for federal funds. The following list is a guide for completing the FAFSA. By adhering to these suggestions, students, and parents will prevent unnecessary delays. Accurate reporting and attention to detail are key elements in completing your application.

  • To complete the FAFSA on the Web both the parent and the student must obtain a Personal Identification Number (PIN). Visit www.pin.ed.gov for information about obtaining and using a PIN. Securing a PIN before filling out the FAFSA will greatly expedite the process. 
  • Be sure to include the federal school code for Georgia State University (001574) on the FAFSA. 
  • If possible, do not use estimates. However, if you have not completed your federal tax return, it is better to use estimates than to miss the priority filing deadline of March 1st. 
  • Do not respond with a symbol such as N/A to a question that requires a number. It could invalidate your entire application. 
  • Be sure all required information has been provided on the FAFSA. If the answer is "zero" fill in "0". Leaving it blank, could be interpreted as intentionally not providing a correct answer. 
  • Pay special attention to any questions that are related to Worksheets A, B, and C.
  • Be sure to read the instructions carefully for guidance as to who is eligible for inclusion in family size and number in college.

Helpful Hints

  • Apply early. Do not wait until you have been accepted for admission. Do not wait until the last minute to complete the financial aid application materials. An early start will leave time to collect information, ask questions, and solve problems. 
  • Read instructions and follow directions carefully. Completing your FAFSA inaccurately will delay your financial aid. 
  • Set up a financial aid file and keep copies of all documents. 
  • The Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) may request additional documents to support your application. 
  • Carefully read all correspondence from the Office of Student Financial Aid. Note that e-mail is the official means of communication at Georgia State. 
  • Make sure all documents submitted are complete, accurate, and signed as required. 
  • Respond promptly to all requests for additional information. 
  • Print student's name and PANTHER ID# on all documents submitted for OSFA. 
  • Don't mail tax forms or other documents to OSFA unless specifically asked to do so. 
  • Contact the OSFA with any questions about the status of your application. 

NOTE: While the PANTHER ID# serves as your student identification number, please be aware that the nature of some information we are required to collect will make it necessary to provide us with your Social Security number.