How to Apply for FAFSA
To be considered for federal student aid, state and institutional aid, you must complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year that you attend college. Students have the option of submitting their FAFSA through:
1. Online FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Processing time is 2 weeks. Don't forget to include the Gavilan School Code on the application: 001202
OR
2. Paper Applications, which take 4-6 weeks for processing. See "Financial Aid Forms" for PDF versions of FAFSA.
Students will be required to submit/renew the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov or by completing a paper FAFSA and mailing it to the Central Processing Center.
Who is Eligible to File a FAFSA?
Persons who:
- Are U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents (who have an "Alien Registration Number").
- Have Social Security Number.
- Show financial need.
- Are not in default on an educational loan nor owe a refund on federal (or state) student aid.
- Have registered, or formerly registered, with the Selective Service (for male students only).
- Are enrolled in an eligible program for the purpose of obtaining a degree or certificate.
- Have the ability to benefit from the education offered. This can be met by holding a high school diploma, passing an approved test in the Assessment Center or securing a GED diploma.
- Have declared an educational goal like: AA/AS, certificate, and/or transfer.
- Are making satisfactory academic progress.
What do I need to file my FAFSA online?
- STEP 1: Decide How You'll Sign Your Online FAFSA
- STEP 2: Gather Income Information
- STEP 3: Apply online & submit application.
Types of Federal Student Aid
