Apply or Renew

Completing the FAFSA® (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is key to ensuring that you can pay for school. You can do this. It is not as hard as you may think.

Fill Out the FAFSA Online

Filling out the FAFSA online is the fastest, easiest way to apply or renew:

  1. Plan ahead and prepare.
  2. Create a StudentAid.gov account. This will allow you to confirm your identity when accessing your financial aid information and when signing Federal Student Aid documents.

  3. Go to FAFSA on the Web and sign in to your StudentAid.gov account to fill out a new FAFSA or access your original FAFSA, which already has your answers prefilled.

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Submit a Paper Application

If you prefer not to apply online, you can submit a paper application. However, please keep in mind that you must complete the entire paper application each year that you need aid.

  • Get a free paper application online at StudentAid.gov/FAFSA.
  • Or call 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).

Help Is Available

The FAFSA can take some time to complete. Help is available if you need it:

  • Attend a FAFSA Completion Help Event. PHEAA offers free seminars to help thousands of students across Pennsylvania complete the FAFSA. All college-bound students (and their parents) are invited to attend.
  • Talk with your high school counselor. High schools often host financial aid events. Talk with your school counselor to find out the dates and times and plan to attend.
  • Visit each school's financial aid website or contact the Financial Aid Office.
  • Call the Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC) toll-free:
    • 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243)
    • 1-800-730-8913 (TTY)
  • Go to StudentAid.gov/FAFSA and get answers to most of your FAFSA questions.

Did You Know?

  • The FAFSA is always free.
  • You can choose how you apply. The way you apply does not affect the cost of the FAFSA or the funding you may be eligible to receive.
  • More than 94% of students apply online. The online form saves you time, prevents errors, and has a faster turnaround time than the paper application.
  • Don't let special family situations stop you from applying. If you have unusual circumstances, like high medical expenses or recent unemployment, that impact your family's ability to contribute to your education, be sure to contact your school's Financial Aid Office immediately.
  • Renew your FAFSA every year you need aid. Even if you did not qualify for much aid last year, you should still re-apply. Changes in family income and the number of children in your household attending college can affect your eligibility.