The FAFSA — an important first step in applying for financial aid

If you’re looking to apply for financial aid for any of the programs at American Career College, the FAFSA (the Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the place to start.

FAFSA FAST FACTS

While ACC cannot guarantee financial aid, we encourage all students to apply for federal financial assistance.

California students may also qualify for state grant funding. Refer to the state website for additional required application materials.

Watch this video for more information on how to complete the FAFSA.

Additional information is available from ACC

ACC also has advisors who can assist you with the FAFSA and answer any questions you may have about financial aid.

The FAFSA is the form you need to fill out to receive financial aid, including federal grants and loans, to help pay for higher education.

Every year, more than 13 million students who file the FAFSA are awarded grants, work-study and low-interest loans from the U.S. Department of Education. And individual states provide financial assistance as well.

Basic facts about the FAFSA application

Anyone who plans to apply for financial assistance needs to complete the FAFSA. The application requires you to provide information about you and your family’s finances, including tax information.
As its name implies, the FAFSA is free. Never pay anyone to help you complete it. Your school’s Financial Aid Office can assist you at no cost.
You must complete the FAFSA each year beginning in October in order to continue to receive financial aid.

How to complete the FAFSA

There are three ways to fill out and submit your application:

Online at studentaid.gov
With the myStudentAid app that’s available on iTunes and Google Play
By printing and filling out the FAFSA form, then mailing it to the address on the form.

The advantage of the first two options (online or through the app) is that they offer useful tips to help you understand the questions and simplify the process.

Using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool is a secure way to transmit your income for the respective year to your FAFSA application. Optimizing the IRS Data Retrieval Tool will not only expedite your completion of the FAFSA but will also ensure overall adjusted gross income (AGI) accuracy. It also limits the need to supply additional information to the Financial Aid Office.

When you complete the FAFSA electronically, you’ll be asked to create a federal student aid ID (FSA ID), which is what you’ll use to sign the electronic form. One of your parents may also need to create an FSA ID to be able to sign off on your application unless you’re considered independent based on certain guidelines in the FAFSA. Create your FSA ID here.

Be sure to use a permanent email address on the form so you can use the same FAFSA account throughout your college experience.

How FAFSA funding is calculated

Every academic year your FAFSA results are assessed to determine opportunities to assist with funding your tuition/fees. Early FAFSA completion streamlines your packaging process while providing up to date information on eligibility and awards.

FAFSA due date

It’s a good idea to submit your application as early as possible because financial aid is often given out on a first-come, first-served basis. You’ll want to give yourself the best chance of getting the most assistance.

You can file as early as October 1 for the following academic year(s) and the final deadline is June 30.

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