IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR SENIORS ABOUT FINANCIAL AID.

You can begin filling out FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) on October 1st– which means you can file the FAFSA now!

Deadlines
Every college or university has their own preferred filing date for the FAFSA — some as early as November 15th– so check out www.ICANsucceed.org/priority to find the priority dates for the schools you are applying to.

Tax Information 
You will use your parent’s tax information from 2016 to file the FAFSA for the 2018-19 school year. The FAFSA is solely based off of 2016 taxes, so you WON’t have to update the FAFSA with 2017 taxes. Visit ​www.fafsa.gov to file the form.

This extended timeline is beneficial to you because it will allow you to receive your financial aid award letters early in the spring semester. This will give you more time to make a final decision about where you want to go to school. You may receive financial aid award letters as early as January or February, and you still have until May 1st to make your final decisions. 

Assistance
If you have questions about paying for college, or would like free helping filing your FAFSA, the Iowa College Access Network offers free resources for college planning and financial aid. You can visit their website, www.ICANsucceed.org/ to schedule and appointment, or call their toll free number, 8777-272-4692 to talk to an advisior. 

You can also visit a FAFSA Ready Iowa event which offers free assistance without an appointment. Visit www.icansucceed.org/fafsareadyiaevents to find a location near you.