Step-by-step FAFSA guide: how to apply for financial aid
What is the FAFSA?
The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It is required to qualify for almost all types of financial aid, including loans. You must fill out a new FAFSA every year if you want aid.
When you submit the FAFSA to the U.S. Department of Education, it estimates how much your family can afford to pay for college. An underlying premise of its financial aid policy is that it is the family’s primary responsibility to pay for college. Rarely does financial aid cover all your college expenses.
The purpose of financial aid is to supplement what your family can afford to pay.
Even if you think you won’t qualify for federal aid because your income is too high, fill out the FAFSA. Many scholarships require it. And you might be surprised by what you qualify for. For instance, if you have a sibling starting college, you may qualify for more financial aid.
DO I FILL OUT THE FAFSA OR DO MY PARENTS?
It’s your FAFSA. You need to fill out the application and must sign the form before submitting it. Your parent(s) also have to provide financial information and sign the application if you are a dependent student. A series of questions on the application will help you determine if you’re a dependent or independent student. All graduate and professional students are considered independent.
*Most international students are not eligible for federal financial aid and do NOT need to fill out a FAFSA. If you are an eligible noncitizen, you may qualify for federal financial aid. Complete the FAFSA to determine your eligibility. Learn more about what scholarships international students are eligible for.
FAFSA Timeline
January: FAFSA opens for next award year
March: FAFSA results sent to UToledo by the federal processor
Early May: Begin sending financial aid offers to and continuing students
March through July: Summer Financial Aid application available
UToledo Federal School Code:
003131
You must include this on your FAFSA so we get your info.
fafsa details
- Who should complete the FAFSA form?
- Any student, regardless of income, who wants to be considered for federal, state, and UToledo financial aid programs. This includes grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans.
- How long will it take?
- It takes most people less than one hour to fill out the FAFSA form, including gathering any personal documents and financial information needed to complete it.
- What do I need?
- Verified account username and password (FSA ID)
- Parent of spouse contributor name, date of birth, Social Security number, and email address
- Income and asset information (if required)
Additional questions about the FAFSA?
What if my financial circumstances change?
We realize financial circumstances can change. If the information you reported on your FAFSA does not reflect your current financial situation, you may be eligible for an adjustment to your financial aid by completing UToledo's Special Circumstances Application. Contact Rocket Solution Central for assistance.
How do I get aid for the summer semester?
Most financial aid can be used for summer semesters. But you’ll need to fill out a summer aid application.