Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas

Helpful Hints on Completing the FAFSA

To be eligible for federal student aid, you must…

• Be a United States citizen or eligible non-citizen, with a valid Social Security number.
• Have a high school diploma, General Education Development (GED) or equivalent home school credential, or pass an approved “ability to benefit” test.
• Enroll as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program approved by the U.S. Dept. of Education.
• Register (or have registered) for Selective Service (applies to males between the ages of 18 to 25).

FAFSA on the Web

File the FAFSA electronically at:  www.fafsa.ed.gov
   
When to apply…

• Apply for financial aid no earlier than the senior year in high school.
• The FAFSA filing period begins January 1.
• CCCUA has a priority filing deadline as early as May 1st for the Fall semester and November 1st for the Spring semester.
• Students can still complete the FAFSA past the priority filing date, but may miss out on major aid programs.
• You do not have to be admitted to a college to apply for financial aid.
• Naturalized citizens: Make sure SSA has your naturalization on file.

Documents You Will Need to Complete the FAFSA

• Social Security number.
• Driver’s license.
• W-2 forms and other records of money earned.
• Federal income tax returns –IRS Form 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, 1040 Telefile, foreign tax return.
• Untaxed income records – Social Security, Temporary Assistance to needy families, welfare or veterans’ benefit records.
• Current bank statements.
• Current business and investment mortgage information.
• Business and farm records.
• Records of stocks, bonds, and other investments.