Before You Apply

For New Parent Users

To begin or access your student’s application you will need their U.S. Social Security number and date of birth. Students without a U.S. Social Security number will be assigned an Applicant ID. The system will walk you through the steps to register and complete the application. *See the FAQ


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Married Parents

Both parents should enter their information in the Parent Form.


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Separated or Divorced Parents

Both sets of parents should enter their information in one of the following forms. *See the FAQ

  • Parent Form: The parent with whom the student lived for the majority of the time in the last 12 months should complete the Parent Form, along with his or her spouse, if applicable
  • Non-Custodial Parent Form: The parent with whom the student did not live for the majority of the time in the last 12 months should complete the Non-Custodial Parent Form, along with his or her spouse, if applicable.

If the student did not live with one parent more than with the other parent in the last 12 months, the “main supporting parent” is the parent who provided the most financial support during that time.

If neither parent provided greater support during the last 12 months, the “main supporting parent” is the parent who provided greater support during the most recent year the student was supported by a parent.

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Completing the Application

We recommend that you review the worksheets for the sections you will complete before beginning this application. They will help you understand the information that will be required so you can gather the supporting documents ahead of time.

Note: For security reasons, once a user starts one of the forms, that form is now locked by that user. If you decide that you and your student want to complete separate forms, be certain not to start the student form. *See the FAQ

Make sure you have these documents handy before you get started.
Regardless if you are a student or parent and of what sections of the application you will complete, refer to the Information Worksheets and the Worksheet Instructions for a complete view of the information required.


If you filed a non-U.S. tax form, you will be asked similar questions about your income and assets without reference to the IRS forms.

New Users (Registration) or Returning Users (Login).
  
Gather These Forms:
 Income
  • Estimated or completed federal, state and local (if applicable) income tax returns for the previous tax year
  • Records of untaxed income, such as welfare, Social Security, AFDC, or veterans benefits
 Assets
  • Current bank statements
  • Real estate, business and farm records
  • Stocks, bonds, trust funds, IRA accounts, Keogh accounts and other assets
 Expenses
  • Medical and dental bills that were paid in the previous year
  • Outstanding debts, including mortgage, student loans, auto loans and any credit card debt
 Other Records
  • Previously received financial aid
  • Financial aid received by you and members of your household for the previous academic year