Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Renewal FAFSA. The FAFSA is used to determine eligibility for federal, state, and University financial aid programs including the Stafford Loan and Parent PLUS Loan. Priority filing deadline is March 1 each year prior to the start of the academic year for which aid is being requested.  Help with completion of the FAFSA is found at Completing the FAFSA.  The FAFSA is available on the Web at www.fafsa.ed.gov - note this is not a .com web site!

Which year is it? The 2007-2008 FAFSA covers Fall 2007 through Summer 2008 at USI.  The 2008-2009 FAFSA covers Fall 2008 through Summer 2009 at USI.  Applications filed after March 1 will not be considered for programs with limited funding.  USI’s Federal School Code is 001808.

If you don’t file on-line, you must mail your FAFSA to the Federal Student Aid Programs using the address provided on the FAFSA – do not bring the FAFSA to USI.  Starting in 2008-2009, paper FAFSAs must be downloaded as a PDF document at http://www.federalstudentaid.ed.gov/fafsa or ordered by phone at 1-800-433-3243.
                            
WARNINGS: Also, be aware of the risks of identity theft and don't be afraid to report suspected financial aid fraud.  Set up your email account to accept your electronic Student Aid Report (SAR) by giving permission for email from cpsnotify@cpsemail.ed.gov.  Otherwise, your SAR may end up in a spam or junk mail folder!             

Obtaining a PIN: Online applicants can obtain a Federal Student Aid PIN (personal identification number) at www.pin.ed.gov.  A PIN will eliminate the need for a signature page to be printed and mailed.  You should apply for a PIN at least 2 weeks prior to filing the FAFSA. 

Parents can also apply for a PIN.  See the latest news on the PIN process from the U.S. Department of Education.

                              

Don't wait until March 1 to file on-line.  FAFSA on the Web slows down and may not be accessible during peak application periods!                              

Note that a printable Pre-Application Worksheet is available.  Use this worksheet instead of a paper FAFSA to prepare to complete FAFSA on the Web.  The worksheet can be found at FAFSA on the Web.

With your PIN number, you can also access your processed FAFSA online if you need to make corrections or add new colleges.

TIPS: Never pay for information you can get for free!  See the U.S. Government Web page, Looking for Financial Aid for more information on financial aid scams and information sources.  The FAFSA asks if you were required to file a 1040 instead of a shorter 1040A or 1040EZ.  If you don't know the answer, take a look at Did IRS Require a 1040?  Applicants who live in foster care should take a look at the FAFSA Tip Sheet for Foster Youth.

Complete the USI Financial Aid Data Form each year. This form collects information not provided on the FAFSA.  The Data Form preferred deadline is May 1 prior to the academic year for which aid is being requested.  You may complete the form on-line or obtain the form in PDF format  or submit an online request for one to be mailed to you.  Also note that the data form is automatically mailed to all FAFSA applicants admitted to USI. 

INDIANA RESIDENTS, if you receive a State Student Assistance Commission of Indiana (SSACI) EDIT LETTER, you must resolve all edits before June 10 or face the loss of State assistance for the upcoming academic year.  See the State of Indiana's advice below.

SSACI will make awards to eligible students in mid July.  File your FAFSA by the March 10, 2008 receipt date deadline. Check eStudent after your FAFSA is filed to make sure your FAFSA will be considered by SSACI.

STEP 3

To take advantage of the William D. Ford Direct Stafford Loan program simply indicate on your FAFSA that you are interested in loans.  For summer, however, Stafford Loan request forms are required (available from the USI Office of Student Financial Assistance.) Summer loan requests should be submitted no later than April 15.

To view and accept your Stafford Loan, go to MyUSI.  Guidance on how to navigate MyUSI can be found at Quick Guide to Checking My Financial Aid.

Dependent students' parents must complete the Parent Plus Loan Request Forms each year.  Parent PLUS Loans may be requested on-line or by mail using paper forms. 
 

Academic Years Explained - The 2008-2009 FAFSA applications cover the period of Fall 2008 through Summer 2009 at USI.  Parent PLUS Loan request forms cover both the academic year and summer but a separate form is required for summer.  The Stafford Loan is based on the FAFSA loan response for the academic year. A separate Stafford Loan Request form is required for summer.

Transfer Students - Students who have attended another college within a three-month period prior to enrolling at USI must have their records checked on the National Student Loan Data System by USI staff.  All transfer students must have final academic transcripts evaluated.  Mid-year transfers can expect delays in Stafford Loan processing due to final transcripts arriving after the start of the semester.

ADVICE FOR STUDENTS STARTING IN SPRING OR SUMMER
The financial aid application process takes two to three months to complete. Start applying no later than two months prior to the beginning of the semester in which you want financial assistance.