
Completing the FAFSA is the most widely used process and the one required for ensuring consideration for all programs administered by the Office of Student Financial Aid, including the HOPE/Zell Miller Scholarship for Georgia Residents. You can access the FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov. You can also learn more about federal student aid programs at http://studentaid.ed.gov/.
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.
Helpful Tip: Students and parents who have already filed their 2012 tax returns with the IRS will be given the opportunity to use the new IRS Data Retrieval Tool when completing your 2013-2014 FAFSA on-line. This tool is a quick and easy way to transfer information from federal tax returns directly into your FAFSA.
If you are selected for verification but cannot use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, you can order an IRS tax transcript(s) online at www.irs.gov/Individuals/Order-a-Transcript or call 1-800-908-9946. The transcript will be mailed to you within 5 to 10 business days.
Georgia State’s Federal 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:
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.
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.
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.