Learn about changes to the FAFSA
This year, the FAFSA application process will look different than it has in the past—Federal Student Aid is updating the application to expand access and streamline the process. Play the video below to learn about the updated FAFSA.
Description of the video:
[video description: The screen is off-white with a gray texture. The IU logo appears on the screen, followed by the word “FAFSA.”]
Voiceover: You’ve heard about it. You know it’s important. But what exactly is the FAFSA, and what can it do for you? Keep watching, and we’ll tell you everything you need to know.
[video description: Title: “Everything you need to know about the FAFSA.”]
Voiceover: FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and completing it is your first step in getting financial aid for college.
[video description: Graphic of a house. Roof pops open, and numerals and money symbols float in and out of the house.]
Voiceover: You’ll fill in your household’s financial information, which colleges will then use to determine your eligibility for scholarships, grants, work-study, loans, and other aid.
[video description: Timeline graphic, beginning with December and ending with April 15.]
Voiceover: The FAFSA opens in December this year. Our priority deadline is April 15, but we recommend completing it as soon as possible during your senior year.
[video description: Graphic of campus building with IU flag on top. Text: “Complete each year.”]
Voiceover: Once you’re a college student, you’ll need to complete the FAFSA each year to remain eligible for financial aid.
[video description: Graphic of computer screen. User types “FAFSA.GOV.”]
Voiceover: Ready to get started? Visit fafsa.gov to create your Federal Student Aid ID, which is the username and password you’ll use throughout the entire FAFSA process. Contributors such as parents, stepparents or spouses will also need to create a Federal Student Aid ID. You can complete your FAFSA online at FAFSA.gov.
[video description: graphic of person with two more people appearing in conversation bubbles next to them. Placeholder names and dates of birth appear below each additional person’s graphic.]
Voiceover: When you're filling out your FAFSA, you'll be asked to invite your contributors. So, have their names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and email addresses ready. Each contributor will have to log in and provide their consent and approval.
[video description: Graphic versions of Social Security card, bank statement, and a tax form appear. Then, graphic versions of a receipt, cash, and a pie chart appear.]
Voiceover: Make sure you and your contributors have important documents by your side as you fill out the FAFSA, such as tax returns, records of child support received, current balances of cash, savings and checking accounts, net worth of investments, businesses, and farms.
[video description: Graphic of analog clock showing passage of one hour.]
Voiceover: It may take each contributor about one hour to complete their section.
Voiceover: To ensure that Indiana University Bloomington receives your information, be sure to list our federal school code: 001809.
[video description: Text: “IU Bloomington’s federal school code: 001809.”]
Voiceover: Once your FAFSA form has been started, you can view the status, including contributor progress, in your studentaid.gov account.
[video description: Graphic of “SUBMIT” button, with pointer hovering over it.]
Voiceover: Before you hit “Submit,” read over your information carefully to make sure you’ve answered everything correctly.
[video description: Graphic of papers piled appears beside a checklist that reads make sure you review these documents carefully. Graphics are then replaced by a graphic version of a tear off calendar page that then crosses off days one, two, and three with red x marks.]
Voiceover: One to three days after all contributors have completed their portions and given their consent and approval, you will receive a FAFSA submission summary which will include your Student Aid Index.
[video description: Graphic of “SUBMIT” button, with pointer hovering over it. The pointed clicks the button which turns into clapping hands.]
Voiceover: Then give yourself a round of applause! You’re one step closer to paying for college. Watch for notifications from IU.
[video description: Graphic of envelope. Text: “Financial award notice.”]
Voiceover: We send Financial Award Notices starting in February.
[video description: Text: “Questions?”]
Voiceover: Questions? We’re here for you.
[video description: Text: “studentcentral.indiana.edu”]
Voiceover: Visit Student Central any time to find information, answers, and tips on financial aid and managing costs.
[video description: Screen goes red. IU logo. Text: “Indiana University Bloomington.”]
