2024-25 College Planning and Financial Aid
Navigating the Financial Aid Process
When to apply:
Anytime after October 1st of the student’s senior year
Starting College Fall 2025
Use 2023 federal tax return
Must apply every year
NEW FAFSA App
How to Apply for Aid
1. Request FSA ID
What is the FSA ID?
Used by students and parents throughout aid process
Used to sign FAFSA electronically
Visit fafsa.gov to create
Comprised of a username and password
Only the owner should create a FSA ID.
The security of your FSA ID is important.
2. Collect Information
Student and parents’ SSN and DOB
Parents’ marital status
Tax returns for student and parents
W-2s for student and parents
Records of untaxed income for student and parents
Bank accounts, stock, real estate and business records for student and parents
Student’s driver’s license number
Student’s alien registration number (non-U.S. citizens)
3. Complete FAFSA online:
https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
4. New Mobile FAFSA App
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fsa.mystudentaid&hl=en_US
5. Complete the CSS Profile (if required by college)
https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org/
6. Complete TAP online
First-time Applicants Create User ID & PIN
https://www.tap.hesc.ny.gov/totw/
7. Complete Excelsior Scholarship
8. Watch for your Student Aid Report
9. Communicate with the financial aid office
Sections of the FAFSA
Section Three: Dependency Status
Generally dependent if under age 24
Independent if:
Married
A graduate student
Serving in the U.S. military or a veteran
Supporting children or other dependents
Has a court-appointed legal guardian
Has been determined homeless or at risk of being homeless
Section Four: Parent Demographics
Name, social security numbers, birth dates, Marital status
If your parent does not have an SSN, enter 0’s or 9’s
Section Five: Financial Information
Use 2023 Tax returns
Use IRS Data Retrieval Tool