FAFSA on the Web

FAFSA on the Web is an Internet application developed by the U.S. Department of Education which allows students to complete and submit an electronic version of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) directly to the federal processor. The "FAFSA on the Web" site supports both Netscape Navigator (4.0 or higher) and Internet Explorer (5.0 or higher) Internet browsers. Students wanting to complete their FAFSA via the web can do so after January 1, prior to the start of the academic year. After transmitting an application over the Internet, students mail their signed signature page to the Department or sign the application electronically (see Personal Identification Number topic listed below for additional information on signature options). The federally approved Central Processing Service (CPS) provider will determine their eligibility for financial aid within 72 hours after receiving the completed application. The FAFSA on the Web site provides students/parents with numerous electronic options, such as electronic signatures and corrections, checking on the status of a student's FAFSA form, requesting a duplicate set of SAR's, tips and shortcuts, and requesting a Personal Identification Number (PIN). The FAFSA on the Web site is located at: www.fafsa.ed.gov.

The Benefits of FAFSA on the Web

• Online FAFSA is free.
• The FAFSA on the Web site provides students/parents with numerous electronic options, such as checking on the status of your FAFSA form, requesting a duplicate set of SARs, tips and shortcuts, and requesting a Personal Identification Number (PIN).
  Students can save their application information for up to 45 days so that it can be completed and transmitted later.
• Online FAFSA does not require software to be installed, so it takes less time before students can actually use the application.
• Students can access the Online FAFSA web page from anywhere, including school or home, making it more convenient to complete the application.
• Online FAFSA automatically edits applicant answers before transmitting, resulting in better information and fewer applications rejected by the CPS.
• Online FAFSA uses skip logic, so it will only ask students those questions that they need to answer.
• Online FAFSA can support an unlimited number of users, allowing thousands of students to apply at once.

FAFSA on the Web Worksheet 
If you complete the electronic version of the FAFSA, it is recommended that you complete the "FAFSA on the Web Worksheet" prior to entering your information. This helpful worksheet is a line-for-line copy of the online FAFSA, thereby insuring accuracy in completing the FAFSA via the Web. As with FAFSA on the Web, the worksheet also has helpful instructions throughout the form. The FAFSA on Web Worksheet can be downloaded directly from the FAFSA on the Web at www.fafsa.ed.gov or be obtained at the Financial Aid Office.

Personal Identification Number (PIN)
The PIN is similar to the Personal Identification Number that you get from your bank that enables you to access your bank account. Your PIN is confidential and should not be shared with anyone, even if someone else completes your FAFSA for you. The Department of Education has enhanced the electronic signature process by adding "I Forgot/Don’t Know My PIN" and "Apply for a PIN" links to the "Student Electronic Signature" page and the "Parent Electronic Signature" page. When selected, the hyperlink opens the PIN Web site in a separate browser window and pre-fills the appropriate fields. A student and/or parent can chose to view their PIN in real-time or have it sent by e-mail to them. All prior year electronic FAFSA applicants will receive a renewal reminder e-mail explaining the renewal process made possible through the student PIN. Remember, your PIN is a valuable electronic tool, which allows you to electronically complete and sign your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Renewal FAFSA, make electronic corrections to FAFSA form, and even electronically sign your Federal Stafford Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN).For more information, or to apply for a pin www.pin.ed.gov