How to file your FAFSA

Do you need to create a FSA ID?

Yes!

A FSA ID consists of an account username and password that you create in order to gain access to the U.S. Department of Education's online systems, including StudentAid.gov. An FSA ID can also serve as your legal signature when completing electronic documents.

You'll need your Social Security number (SSN) (if applicable) and your own email address to create an FSA ID.

Set yourself up for success

Know what to expect when you start the 2025-2026 FAFSA form. This includes logging in, understanding the form, verifying personal information, and providing consent and approval for the transfer of federal tax information.

Watch: Navigating the 2025 26 FAFSA Form for Dependent Students
Watch: Navigating the 2025 26 FAFSA Form for Independent Students

You might need the following information or documents as you fill out your application:

Your parents’ SSNs if they have SSNs and you're a dependent student
Tax returns
Records of child support received
Current balances of cash, savings, and checking accounts
Net worth of investments, businesses, and farms

Watch: Applying for Financial Aid with the FAFSA Form

What are the next steps after I file the FAFSA?

Recognizing how critical financial aid is to the college decision-making process, we are working diligently to process packages quickly while ensuring accuracy. Your FAFSA application will be processed by the Department of Education in the order it's received.

While FAFSA information is being released to colleges and universities in batches over the coming weeks, families can expect to begin receiving finalized financial aid packages from St. Ambrose beginning in mid-January.

What to Expect:

Notification: You'll receive an email from the Department of Education once your application is processed and sent to your chosen schools.
Confirmation: After federal processing, you may get a confirmation email from the Department of Education.
School Processing: Your selected schools will use the FAFSA data to create your financial aid package.
Our Notification: We'll let you know when we receive your FAFSA from the Department of Education.
Additional Steps: Be ready for potential extra steps to finalize your financial aid award.

St. Ambrose University will keep you updated throughout the process. Find answers to common FAFSA questions on the Federal Student Aid website.

Where can I turn for support?

You can always connect with our financial aid staff in Student Financial Services at 563-333-5775 or SFS@shorinji-kempo.net.

Additionally, there is guidance available through ICAN (Iowa College Access Network).

INTERACTIVE VIRTUAL WORKSHOP

Join for an interactive workshop where their expert advisors will guide you through every step of your FAFSA form:

February 26, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.

What will be covered?

Dependency Status: Understand the rules and how they impact your eligibility.
Parent Information: Learn which parent to report and how to handle complex family situations.
Income and Assets: Navigate the complexities of reporting financial information.
IRS Data Retrieval Tool: Simplify the process and reduce errors.
Post-FAFSA Steps: Discover what happens after you submit your application.

How to file your FAFSA

Fill out the FAFSA to make college affordable

Why should I file my FAFSA?

Access federal student aid

Unlock state and institutional aid

Maintain eligibility

FAFSA FAQs

Do you need to create a FSA ID?

Set yourself up for success

What are the next steps after I file the FAFSA?

Where can I turn for support?