Office of
Financial Aid

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 two 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.
  • Download and complete a PDF FAFSA off the www.fafsa.gov website and mail it to Federal Student Aid Programs, P.O. Box 7002, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864-0072.  This processing takes approximately two to four weeks. 

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 2010 or spring semester 2011 the 2010-11 FAFSA must be completed. The 2011-12 FAFSA is required when applying for financial assistance for summer or fall of 2011 or spring semester 2012.  The 2011-12 FAFSA will not be available until January 1, 2011.

Where to get some help

Financial Aid Administrators will be available at College Goal Sunday events across the state to assist students and parents with the 2011-2012 on-line FAFSA application process.  Bring your 2010 tax information (W-2's, 1040's, or final 2010 pay stubs). Secure your and your parents PIN ahead of time at www.pin.ed.gov.  You will need your PIN to electronically sign your FAFSA.  To see where and when  the next College Goal Sunday event is happening, go to www.collegegoalsundaywa.org