FAFSA TIPS
To receive financial aid through Georgia State University, each student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. The FAFSA is used to determine eligibility for many scholarships (including general scholarships from the University) and to award a student financial aid in the form of grants, work study, and federal loans. (Alternative educational loans must be applied for separately through a private lender or bank.) The FAFSA is available for completion on October 1 prior to the upcoming aid year, and must be submitted (with valid signatures) by Georgia State’s April 1 priority deadline.
If you completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) when applying for financial aid for the previous academic year, you should receive an email from the U.S. Department of Education with instructions about how to once again submit the application electronically.
PIN Replaced
- This change will comply with new security requirements. It will eliminate the need for individuals to enter personal identifiers such as name, Social Security number, and date of birth when accessing federal student aid information.
- The transition from the FSA PIN to the FSA ID will be as seamless as possible. Existing users will be able to link their PIN information to the FSA ID.
Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (IRS DRT) on your FAFSA
If you file your FAFSA before your federal tax return information is available, you can go back to your FAFSA and select the IRS Data Retrieval to update your tax information.
Students who are selected for verification but cannot use the IRS DRT will need to submit a copy of your tax return transcript from the IRS. You may request a tax return transcript by:
- Online request at www.irs.gov/transcript for a PDF file. Available the same day.
- Phone request from Internal Revenue Service at 1-800-908-9946. Takes 5 – 10 days.
- IRS2Go Mobile App at www.irs.gov . Takes 5 – 10 days.
Georgia State’s Federal School code for the FAFSA is 001574
The FAFSA can be completed online or on paper. Although the online FAFSA is the preferred method, a student can request up to three paper FAFSAs by calling the Federal Student Aid Information Center toll-free at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).
After you have completed the FAFSA, the Department of Education’s federal methodology is used to calculate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). After you have completed the FAFSA, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). Georgia State University uses the EFC that is calculated on your FAFSA to determine your eligibility for certain need-based aid.
Some students will be required to complete the process of verification. Verification is the process in which the Financial Aid Office must verify that the information on the FAFSA is accurate. If you are selected for Verification, you must complete the Verification process before any awards will be finalized. Our office will contact you about submitting additional required documents. Our office will submit any and all changes required as a result of Verification.
FAFSA Tips
- To complete the FAFSA on the web both the parent and the student must obtain a FSA ID. Visit https://studentaid.gov/ for information about obtaining and using a FSA ID. Securing a FSA ID before filling out the FAFSA will greatly expedite the process.
- Be sure to include the federal school code for Georgia State University (001574) on the FAFSA.
- Do not use estimated income.
- Do not respond with a symbol such as N/A to a question that requires a number. It could invalidate your entire application.
- Be sure all required information has been provided on the FAFSA. If the answer is “zero” fill in “0”. Leaving it blank, could be interpreted as intentionally not providing a correct answer.
- Be sure to read the instructions carefully for guidance as to who is eligible for inclusion in family size and number in college.
Helpful Hints
- Apply early. Do not wait until you have been accepted for admission. Do not wait until the last minute to complete the financial aid application materials. An early start will leave time to collect information, ask questions, and solve problems.
- Read instructions and follow directions carefully. Completing your FAFSA inaccurately will delay your financial aid.
- Set up a financial aid file and keep copies of all documents.
- The OSFA may request additional documents to support your application.
- Carefully read all correspondence from the OSFA. Note that email is the official means of communication at Georgia State University.
- Make sure all documents submitted are complete, accurate, and signed as required.
- Respond promptly to all requests for additional information.
- Print student’s name and PANTHER ID# on all documents submitted for OSFA
- Don’t mail tax forms or other documents to OSFA unless specifically asked to do so.
Use Our Guided Path for Help Completing the FAFSA Application
We want to make our process as clear as possible and provide you with the resources you need in one convenient place. Our Guided Paths break down the financial aid application and payment process into five clear steps. If you have never applied for financial aid, or if you just need a quick refresher, select your degree program to get started.
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Got Questions?
The Student Financial Management Center and the Offices of Student Accounts and Financial Aid are available to assist you despite the office physical closure. View Panther Answer to contact us.
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Student Financial Management Center is using Virtual Advising Appointments to assist students with questions regarding financial aid and student accounts. Please click below to schedule an appointment.