Why FAFSA?
To apply for federal and state financial aid, students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). An analysis of your FAFSA determines how much you and your family can afford to contribute to your education. A variety of factors are taken into account: family income, total savings, family size, parents' age (and their need to save for retirement) and the number of siblings in college at the same time.
How to submit a FAFSA
You may submit the FAFSA in one of three ways:
- Complete the FAFSA on the Web at www.fafsa.ed.gov . You will be provided a confirmation number and an opportunity to create your own Personal Identification Number (PIN) which you can use immediately to sign your application. This is the recommended and most accurate way to complete the FAFSA. As the name indicates, this application is free of charge. If you are being asked to submit a payment, you are in the fafsa.COM site instead of the free federal website.
- Download and complete a PDF FAFSA and mail it to Federal Student Aid Programs, P.O. Box 4692, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864-4692. This processing takes approximately three to four weeks.
- Request a paper FAFSA by calling the US Dept of Education at 1-800-433-3243 or 319-337-5665. If you are hearing impaired, contact the TTY line at 1-800-730-8913.
When completing the FAFSA, be sure to indicate that you want the results of your analysis sent to PLU (use code 003785). Keep copies of everything you submit.
Which application to use
To receive financial assistance for enrollment in the summer or fall of 2012 or spring semester 2013, the 2012-13 FAFSA must be completed. You can preview the 2013-14 FAFSA by using the FAFSA4caster. The 2013-14 FAFSA will be available on January 1, 2013.
Getting Help with your FAFSA
The Financial Aid Office staff will be available to assist you in completing the on-line version of the FAFSA at the following times and locations. You are welcome to attend any of these events. (This schedule will be updated as dates and sites are added, so check back often.)
January 8, 2013: 5PM to 9PM at Lincoln High School Computer Lab. 701 S. 37th St. Tacoma, WA 98418
January 10, 2013: 6PM to 8PM at Clover Park High School Library, 10903 Gravelly Lake Dr. SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
January 15, 2013: 6PM to 7:30PM at Bethel High School Library, 22215 38th Ave. E, Spanaway, WA 98387-6828
January 17, 2013: 6PM to 7:30PM at Wilson High School Counseling Center, 1202 North Orchard St. Tacoma, WA 98406
Hands-on assistance with your FAFSA is available at College Goal Sunday events around the state. For dates, times and locations, go to the College Goal Sunday, Washington website.