Get Ready to Complete the FAFSA
ONE: Create Your FSA ID
Your FSA ID is a username and password combination that you will use to access your financial aid information. Be sure to use the FSA ID cheat sheet to save your information. To learn more about how to create or recover your FSA ID, visit https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch
TWO: Determine Dependency Status
Your dependency status determines whose information you must report when you fill out the FAFSA form. To learn more about how to determine you dependency status, visit https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out/dependency
THREE: Parents Create Your FSA ID
All parties, including parents, providing information will be required to have an FSA ID username and password and give permission to connect the FAFSA to their tax records via the IRS Data Retrieval Tool. To learn more about how to create or recover your FSA ID, visit https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch
The New 2025-2026 FAFSA Includes Several Changes
- The new FAFSA will import more elements from IRS tax return data, resulting in fewer overall questions for students and families.
- The new FAFSA is predicted to average larger Pell Grant awards, and an increased number of students eligible for Pell.
- The FAFSA Simplification Act also established a minimum Pell Grant award based on a family’s Adjusted Gross Income.
- Students are no longer required to enroll in Selective Service to file the FAFSA.
- The new FAFSA removes the prohibitions on eligibility for incarcerated students, students with drug-related offenses, or students who fail to register for Selective Service.