Steps to File the FAFSA

Filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step toward accessing financial aid for your education. Follow these steps to complete your FAFSA:

1. Create a studentaid.gov Account

The FSA ID is a username and password required to sign the FAFSA form online. It takes about 10 minutes to create and should be done at least three days before completing the FAFSA. If you are a dependent student, your parent will also need an FSA ID.

2. Start the FAFSA at studentaid.gov.

Log in using your FSA ID. Create a save key, a temporary password that allows you to save and return to the FAFSA form later.

3. Fill Out the Student Demographics Section

Enter your name exactly as it appears on your Social Security Card. The FAFSA form is the student's application, so references to "you" or "your" pertain to the student unless otherwise noted. Pay attention to whether the form asks for student or parent information.

4. List Penn State Greater Allegheny as a School Choice

Penn State's federal school code is 003329, which applies to all Penn State campus locations.

5. Answer the Dependency Status Questions

These questions determine if you need to provide parental information. Dependency guidelines are set by Congress and differ from IRS definitions.

6. Fill Out the Parent Demographics Section

If required, your parent(s) and/or guardian(s) must provide their information. Even if you don’t live with them, you must report their information if determined to be dependent.

7. Provide Your Financial Information

Submit financial details from two years prior. Use the FUTURE Act Direct Data Exchange (FA-DDX) to securely transfer IRS tax information directly to the FAFSA form.

8. Sign and Submit Your FAFSA

You (and your parent(s)/guardian(s), if dependent) must sign it using an FSA ID. Double-check all information before submitting.

Monitor Your Email and Student Aid Portal! Look for confirmation that your FAFSA was processed. Respond to any requests for additional documentation.

Steps to Renew Your FAFSA

If you’ve filed a FAFSA before, you need to renew it each year to remain eligible for financial aid. Here’s how:

1. Log Into Your Account

Visit studentaid.gov and sign in with your FSA ID. Select the option to renew your FAFSA.

2. Update Personal and Financial Information

Review your pre-filled information and update any changes. If applicable, use the FUTURE Act Direct Data Exchange (FA-DDX) to update tax details.

3. Confirm Your School Selection

Ensure Penn State’s federal school code (003329) is listed.

4. Sign and Submit

Sign with your FSA ID and submit your renewal application.

Monitor Your Email and Student Aid Portal! Look for confirmation that your FAFSA was processed. Respond to any requests for additional documentation.

Maintain your Eligibility for Aid

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Penn State's SAP Policy outlines the federal regulations we must follow to monitor student progression toward completion of degree and certificate programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree levels.

 

Scholarships and Awards Eligibility Requirements

If you were awarded a renewable scholarship by the University or Penn State Greater Allegheny campus, you must maintain the specific criteria of that award in order to receive it for another year. Refer to your original scholarship notification letter to determine the required renewal criteria for your specific award.