Your Quick Guide to Filling Out the FAFSA

  • January 30, 2026

  • Read Time 6 mins

If you’re in the process of applying to college or renewing your financial aid for the next school year, you’re probably familiar with the term “FAFSA.” FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It is a form you fill out to determine eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study programs.

But how do you fill out the FAFSA? Read below to learn about what to expect, what documents you’ll need, and what’s new with the latest FAFSA.

What’s New with the FAFSA

FAFSA has undergone its biggest overhaul in decades. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Fewer questions: The form has been reduced from 108 questions to approximately 36-46 questions, depending on your situation.
  • New terminology: You’ll see terms like “contributor” and “Student Aid Index (SAI)” instead of the old Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
  • Automatic tax data transfer: Your tax information is now automatically and securely transferred from the IRS—no more manual data entry or separate retrieval tool.
  • More students qualify for aid: Changes to Pell Grant eligibility mean more now qualify for federal grants.

Step 1: Understand Who Needs to Provide Information

The new FAFSA uses the term “contributor” to describe anyone who must provide information on your application. Contributors include:

  • The student (you)
  • Your spouse (if you’re married and didn’t file taxes jointly)
  • Your biological or adoptive parent(s)
  • Your parent’s spouse (stepparent), if applicable

Important: Each contributor will need to create their own StudentAid.gov account and provide consent for their tax information to be transferred from the IRS. This includes parents without Social Security numbers—everyone can now create an account.

Step 2: Create StudentAid.gov Accounts Early

Before you can start your FAFSA, you and all contributors must create StudentAid.gov accounts. Here’s why you should do this early:

  • Account verification can take up to three days
  • You cannot submit your FAFSA until all contributors have their accounts
  • Parents without Social Security numbers can now create accounts using identity verification through credit bureau data

To create your account: Visit StudentAid.gov and follow the prompts. You’ll need your Social Security number (if you have one), email address, and phone number.

Step 3: Gather the information You’ll Need

Your financial information is used to determine aid eligibility. If you are a dependent student, your parents’ information will be required. Here’s what you should have ready:

  • Social Security numbers for you and your parents (for dependent students)
  • Driver’s license number
  • Alien Registration number (for non-U.S. citizens)
  • Federal tax returns from two years prior (for example, 2024 tax returns for the 2026-27 FAFSA)
  • Records of untaxed income such as child support, interest income, and veterans’ non-education benefits
  • Information on cash, savings and checking account balances, investments, and other assets

Tax information will be automatically transferred from the IRS once you and your contributors provide consent. This makes the process much faster and reduces errors.

Step 4: Know When to Apply

FAFSA opening dates have varied in recent years:

  • The Department of Education aims to open the FAFSA on October 1 each year for the following academic year
  • However, delays have occurred, so always check StudentAid.gov for the current year’s actual opening date
  • The federal deadline is June 30 of your enrollment year

Important: Many states and schools have earlier deadlines, and some aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so apply as early as possible

Step 5: Access and Complete the Form

To access FAFSA, visit fafsa.gov or use the myStudentAid mobile app. The form is completely free, and if you’re asked for payment, you’re not on the official government website.

The online FAFSA has five sections:

  1. Student
  2. Student Spouse (if applicable)
  3. Parent
  4. Parent Spouse or Partner (if applicable)
  5. Preparer (if someone is helping you)

As a student, you’ll complete your section first. Then you’ll invite your contributors via email to complete their portions.

Step 6: Understand Consent Requirements

Here’s a critical change: All contributors must provide consent and approval for the IRS to transfer their federal tax information into FAFSA, even if they:

  • Don’t have a Social Security number
  • Didn’t file a tax return
  • Filed a tax return outside the U.S.

Make sure all contributors understand this requirement before you begin.

Step 7: Fill Out the Form Carefully

Here are some tips to avoid common mistakes:

  • Start early! Give yourself time to gather required documents, check your numbers, and reach out to contributors who may need time to create accounts.
  • Verify you’re on the correct website. FAFSA is free to submit—the official site is fafsa.gov.
  • Double-check important fields such as Social Security numbers and dates of birth.
  • Use your legal name. The name on your FAFSA form should match your Social Security card.
  • List schools correctly. You can add up to 20 schools on the online application. Be sure to include West Coast University’s school code: 036983.
  • Review before submitting. Mistakes could cause delays or prevent you from getting aid.

Step 8: After Submission

Once you submit your FAFSA:

  • You’ll receive a FAFSA Submission Summary (this replaced the old Student Aid Report)
  • Your form will typically be processed in 1-3 days
  • Schools you listed will receive your information automatically
  • You’ll see your Student Aid Index (SAI), which schools use to determine your aid package—this can now be a negative number, which may increase your eligibility for aid

Understanding Your Student Aid Index (SAI)

The SAI replaced the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Key things to know:

  • It’s an index number, not a dollar amount
  • It can range from -1500 to 999999
  • A lower or negative SAI may mean more aid
  • Schools use your SAI along with their cost of attendance to determine your financial aid package

What If I Need Help?

West Coast University’s Financial Aid Office is here to assist you at no cost. You can also contact the U.S. Department of Education:

  • Call: 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243)
  • Visit: www.studentaid.gov
  • Chat: Available during regular business hours on StudentAid.gov

For more information on financial aid at West Coast University, visit our Financial Aid page or contact our Financial Aid advisors.

Source: www.studentaid.gov

WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.