FAFSA Resources

Overview

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2025-2026 award year is now available. Extensive testing has been conducted to ensure a smooth experience for students and their families. To maximize available funding and allow time to address eligibility or verification requirements before Fall 2025, students are strongly encouraged to complete their FAFSA as early as possible.

Below, you'll find a variety of resources to assist with completing the FAFSA. Whether or not you plan to attend Santa Fe College, the Financial Aid Office is available to help.

Preparing for the FAFSA

To prepare for the FAFSA students should complete these steps:

  1. Create and Access your StudentAid.gov Account (FSA ID). All contributors must have their own StudentAid.gov Account.
    Creating Your StudentAid.gov Account Video: Create and Access Your StudentAid.gov Account
  2. Understand who is a contributor to the FAFSA and prepare them to complete their required sections of the form.
    Video: Understand and Prepare FAFSA Form Contributors
  3. Gather the required information to complete the form.
    Video: Gather Information Required To Complete the FAFSA Form

Completing the FAFSA Form

Use the resources below to assist with completing the FAFSA:

Pro-tips for filling out the FAFSA Question-by-Question FAFSA Guide Completing the FAFSA Form Video Playlist

After Completing FAFSA Form

  1. After the FAFSA is submitted and processed by the federal government, you will receive a FAFSA submission summary (FSS). The FSS will show:
    • Student Aid Index (SAI): This number is used to determine your eligibility for financial aid programs. It was previously called the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC)
    • Financial Aid Eligibility: A summary of the federal financial aid programs you are likely to be eligible for.
    • Verification Selection: If there is an asterisk next to your SAI you have been selected by the federal government for verification.
    • Comments: The comments will tell you if you might have to make corrections to your FAFSA or provide additional documentation to the school you will attend. Read any comment codes and make necessary corrections to your FAFSA form at StudentAid.gov.(Opens in new window) You will receive a new FSS once corrections are submitted and processed.
  2. The institutions you entered on the FAFSA will receive an electronic file of the information from your form. These institutions may request additional information or documents from you to verify eligibility or complete the verification process. For Santa Fe College you will receive an email and a text message notification (if you have opted in for text communications) letting you know next steps.
  3. If you meet requirements for financial aid, you will receive a financial aid offer from each institution. At Santa Fe College you will navigate to your financial aid portal to see the types and amounts of aid offered, specific program information, your responsibilities, and any requirements for the aid.