Financial Aid Applications
You will need to complete and submit applications for financial aid if you want to receive grants, scholarships, and/or loans.
- It is very important to apply for financial aid on time in order to meet all the deadlines set by the agencies and colleges that are offering the aid.
- Check with your school or college to make sure you fill out all necessary forms and meet all deadlines.
Your eligibility for aid is based on the information you provide on the applications. Fill them out carefully and honestly.
- Most of these forms are available online so you can apply electronically rather than mail in a paper application.
- We highly recommend that you print a copy of any application you complete online.
- There is usually a print option at the end of the application.
Step 1: SUBMIT YOUR FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID (FAFSA)
The FAFSA is used to determine eligibility for:
- federal grants
- education loans
- work-study programs
VSAC requires the FAFSA for Vermont grants and VSAC-assisted scholarships, and schools may require the FAFSA to determine eligibility for their own aid.
Even if you think your family income may be too high to qualify you for need-based aid, fill out the FAFSA so you can qualify for federal education loans.
To submit the FAFSA online, first go to www.pin.ed.gov to obtain a personal identification number (PIN). This will be your electronic signature. (For dependent students, both the student and the parent will need a PIN.)
Your PIN will also enable you to make online corrections and to access prefilled online forms in subsequent years. Without a PIN, your online application will be delayed by two to three weeks.
Once you have your PIN, go to www.fafsa.ed.gov to complete your online FAFSA.
- Get tips on filling out FAFSA on the Web.
- If you prefer a paper FAFSA, request one from the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243.
Review the Vermont grant eligibility requirements to determine the grant that’s appropriate for your circumstances, and find instructions for applying.
Note: Applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis as long as funding is available.
Step 3: FILL OUT ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL AID APPLICATIONS, if required.
- CSS Profile (used by a limited number of schools; check your college catalog or Web site for requirements)
- the VSAC Unified Scholarship Application for VSAC-assisted scholarships listed in VSAC's scholarships booklet
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