Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
St. Olaf’s FAFSA code is: 002382
Apply online!
- What is the FAFSA?
- Where Do I Get A Copy of the FAFSA?
- How Do I Complete the FAFSA?
- When Can I Apply?
- Important Things to Remember
What is the FAFSA?
The FAFSA is a free application process used by schools, states, and the federal government to determine financial need. You must complete the application process every year you attend St. Olaf if you plan on receiving any type of financial aid.
The information reported on the FAFSA is used to calculate an Expected Family Contribution (EFC), according to a formula set by Congress. See Need-Based Financial Aid for details.
St. Olaf uses the EFC to determine elibibility for federal, state, and institutional aid.
Where Do I Get a Copy of the FAFSA?
There are three options to choose from when completing the FAFSA. The FAFSA may be submitted using any of the following methods:
- Online at FAFSA
- FAFSA Express software
- Mail a paper FAFSA
A copy of the paper FAFSA is available at high school guidance offices and public libraries.
After receiving the FAFSA, the government compiles a Student Aid Report (SAR). The SAR gives the Office of Financial Aid the information it needs to complete an award package including the EFC. A copy is then be mailed to the applicant and to each school selected. When you receive your copy of the SAR, take a few minutes to look it over to verify the information is correct and that the federal processor has not asked you to send a signature.
Remember, to qualify for St. Olaf financial aid, incoming students must complete the CSS/PROFILE . Returning students must fill out a St. Olaf Application for Financial Aid. Contact the St. Olaf Office of Financial Aid to request a St. Olaf Application for Financial Aid form.
How Do I Complete the FAFSA?
While the FAFSA is not a difficult application to complete, it does take time and effort. It will be beneficial for you and your parents to complete your tax returns as early as possible because much of the information on the FAFSA will come from these returns. St. Olaf verifies 100 percent of all FAFSA information, so it is very important to use current and correct information on your application to speed up the application process.
These documents are needed to complete the FAFSA:
- Tax returns
- W2’s
- Records of untaxed income
- Current bank statements
- Current mortgage information
- Business and farm records
- Records of stocks, bonds, and other investments
- Social Security benefits and retirement and other documents
Along with biographical, financial and personal information, you must indicate you want St. Olaf to receive your FAFSA in order for the school to receive your results.
St. Olaf's FAFSA code is: 002382
If you have specific questions on completing your FAFSA use the FAFSA website maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. It contains all the information you will need to successfully complete your FAFSA.
When Can I Apply?
You can apply for your FAFSA beginning on January 1 of each year. While there is no strict deadline for filing the FAFSA, St. Olaf sets a priority deadline of March 01 for incoming first-year students and April 15 for returning students. A student must submit all financial aid information, including the FAFSA, CSS/PROFILE, and student and parent tax returns to the St. Olaf Office of Financial Aid by the priority deadline. This allows St. Olaf to ensure that you will have an award package before you make your final decision on which school you will attend.
Remember, can take up to three weeks for the FAFSA to be processed. Plan ahead!
Important Things to Remember about FAFSA:
- The FAFSA is free!
- You are required to complete the FAFSA each year you attend St. Olaf.
- You may send in your FAFSA beginning January 1 of each year.
- Priority deadline for all St. Olaf Financial Aid material is March 01 for incoming first-year students and April 15 for returning students of each year.
- The FAFSA application process can take up to three weeks.
- St. Olaf’s FAFSA code is: 002382
