What is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?
How to fill out the FAFSA
You can complete the FAFSA beginning October 1 every year, and the priority deadline is April 15. For the best chance of receiving maximum financial aid, it’s a good idea to complete it as soon as possible during your senior year of high school.
Make sure you have the following information ready to go to make filling out the FAFSA easier:
- Your Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID
You’ll need an FSA ID, and so will one of your parents if you are a dependent. You can create it online, or by using the MyStudentAid app on your smartphone. - Your IU campus’s federal school code
- IU Bloomington: 001809
- IUPUI: 001813
- IUPUC: E01033
- IU East: 001811
- IU Fort Wayne: E40457
- IU Kokomo: 001814
- IU Northwest: 001815
- IU Online (Use the code for the campus to which you’re assigned)
- IU South Bend: 001816
- IU Southeast: 001817
- Your latest tax information
You’ll need your federal tax return and W2 form for the year before, as well as your parents’ federal tax return and W2 form if you’re a dependent (or your spouse’s federal tax return and W2 form if you’re married). - Your social security number
If you’re a dependent, you’ll also need your parents’ social security numbers.- OR your alien registration number, if you’re not a U.S. citizen
In place of a social security number, you’ll need your alien registration number, also known as your alien number, A-Number, or USCIS#.
- OR your alien registration number, if you’re not a U.S. citizen
- General financial information
You’ll need information about your savings, investments, and business assets. You’ll also need this information about your parents if you’re a dependent.
Once you’ve gathered everything you need, it’s easy to file your FAFSA. It will take about 30 minutes to complete, following the directions on the screen. Complete the FAFSA now
Information on being a dependent
Your dependency status is determined by a group of dependency questions on the FAFSA. You’ll be considered a dependent if you:
- Are under 24 years old
- Are not a graduate or professional student
- Are not a veteran or member of the armed forces
- Are not an orphan or ward of the court
- Are not homeless or at risk for becoming homeless
- Are not an emancipated minor
Questions? We’re here to help.
Have questions about scholarships, grants, or awards? The Admissions office at each IU campus will connect you with someone who can help.
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Learn financial aid basics
Read our guide to financial aid and get familiar with common terms.
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Explore scholarships and awards
Discover a wide range of scholarships to help fund your IU education.
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Learn how to manage financial aid
Get tips for making smart decisions about your financial aid options.