2021-22 FAFSA Is Now Available

Monday, January 18, 2021

The 2020-21 academic year is only half over, but it’s NOT too early to start thinking about financial aid for the next academic year. Parents and students can submit the 2021-22 FAFSA today using their 2019 tax return data.

When should students/families file the FAFSA?

  • Our priority deadline is Feb. 1. Filing by Feb. 1 ensures the student receives maximum consideration for available funds. Filing after Feb. 1, 2021, can reduce the amount of financial aid offered to the student.as funds become depleted.

Should students/families use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to file?

  • Yes. Please use this option if you can.
  • The FAFSA allows you to transfer your 2019 tax return data from the IRS directly to the FAFSA, reducing completion time and potential data entry errors.
  • Using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool might eliminate the need to submit a copy of your tax return if your student’s FAFSA is selected for a verification review.
  • If you are not able to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, or you just prefer not to, you must manually input data from the 2019 tax return in the required fields on the FAFSA.

Are additional documents required besides the FAFSA?

  • Yes. All returning students applying for financial aid are required to complete the 2021-22 Additional Information Form. The priority deadline for this form is also Feb. 1. If additional information is needed to process your FAFSA, we will contact your student right away.

When will the student receive their financial aid offer?

  • We will review FAFSA results, and start emailing 2021-22 financial aid offers for continuing students, in March 2021. FAFSAs are reviewed in order of completion, starting with those filed on Oct. 1, 2020. The earlier the financial aid file is completed (all required paperwork submitted), the earlier the student will receive their financial aid offer notification.

What are some other financial aid considerations?

  • Grant access to Parent Proxy, following FERPA guidelines, to allow financial aid staff to discuss the student’s financial aid information with you
  • Research outside scholarship opportunities
  • Remind your student to check their email and postal mail regularly for updates

If have questions or would like more information about applying for financial aid, please contact the Financial Aid Office.