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Indiana University
Financial Aid

What is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?

The FAFSA is an important form used nationwide to determine incoming college students’ eligibility for scholarships, grants, work study, or loans. Completing it is your first step in getting financial aid for college. Once you fill in your household’s financial information in the form, IU will use it to determine your financial award eligibility and prepare your financial award notification.

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#.
  • 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

Want more info?

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

Learn more about dependency status

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.

Learn more about IU Admissions