How to complete the FAFSA
Source: https://college.harvard.edu/guides/how-complete-fafsa Parent: https://college.harvard.edu/financial-aid/how-aid-works
What is the FAFSA?
The FAFSA, short for FREE Application for Federal Student Aid, is the form that all US citizens or permanent residents must fill out in order to apply for federal financial aid each year.
What information is asked for on the FAFSA?
The FAFSA will ask for the following types of information:
- Student Demographic Information
- Parent Contributor Information
- Student and Parent Contributor Financial Information
- School Selections
We have created a FAFSA checklist below which highlights what you should gather in order to complete your FAFSA.
Information you’ll need
Information about yourself and your parent contributor(s):
- An FSA ID (account username and password) to log in to studentaid.gov and start the FAFSA form electronically
- Social Security Number
- Your A-Number (if you're not a U.S. Citizen but you are an eligible noncitizen like a US Permanent Resident)
- Federal income tax returns* from the “prior-prior” year. For the 2026-2027 FAFSA this means the tax year 2024. (NOTE: You must provide consent and approval to disclose your federal tax information to be eligible for federal student aid.)
- Current balance of cash, savings, and checking accounts
- Net worth of investments, businesses, and farms (if applicable)
-
Records of any untaxed income you may receive (if applicable), such as:
-
IRA deductions and payments to self-employed SEP, SIMPLE and Keogh
- Child support received
- Untaxed portions of IRA distributions or pensions
*You and your contributors should have your tax returns on hand when you fill out the FAFSA form. Even though your tax information will be transferred directly into the FAFSA form, you may still need your tax records to answer certain questions.
How to apply
The FAFSA form should be filled out at studentaid.gov. For 2026-27, you are able to complete the form beginning October 1, 2025. You, and any contributor whose information will be required on the FAFSA (the student's spouse, a biological or adoptive parent, or the parent's spouse), should create an FSA ID. Your FSA ID is used as your electronic signature for the FAFSA. You do not need to wait until October 1st to apply for your FSA ID.
Can I see the questions that will be asked prior to filling out the FAFSA?
YES. You can print a FAFSA on the web worksheet from studentaid.gov. This form can help you organize and answer questions prior to sitting down at your computer to complete the FAFSA.
My parents are not US Citizens or Permanent Residents, can I still apply for federal aid?
YES. If you, the student, are a US citizen or permanent resident you are eligible for federal financial aid whether or not your parents are US citizens or permanent residents. (Note: When prompted for your parent(s) social security number on the form, you should enter all zeros.)
Other helpful resources
There are a number of ways that you can request help completing your FAFSA form.
- College Goal Sunday - There are numerous dates in November through February where volunteers are available at sites across the country to help you fill out your FAFSA form, for free. To find a location near you search online for “College Goal Sunday” and your state name.
- Harvard College Griffin Financial Aid Office - You can with questions.
- FAFSA Hotline - The department of Education can help answer questions by calling 1-800-433-3243 . There are also “help & hints” for each question as you complete the FAFSA.