The FAFSA form is a standard document used to determine your eligibility for federal and some state aid, including:
- Federal Pell Grant
- Federal SEOG (Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant)
- Federal Stafford Loan
- Federal Work-Study
Tips for filling out the FAFSA
Follow the instructions carefully. Give yourself time and quiet. Find a place and time to complete the form without interruption. Get organized. Gather your personal and family financial records. Here's a checklist of records you may need:
- Last year's federal tax returns forms 1040/1040A/1040EZ and W2 forms
- If you haven't filed a return yet, try to do that before you apply for financial aid.
- If you can't find last year's return, call Student Financial Services at The Art Institute of Portland and we'll help you get a copy from the IRS.
- It is important to keep a copy of your tax return because you may be asked to provide it to the Student Financial Services Office later.
- Checkbook records
- Savings account and investment statements
- Installment and mortgage loan payment books
- Information relating to income including wages, dividends, Social Security benefits, welfare payments, alimony or child support, Veterans Administration benefits, and disability benefits.
All information provided to the school will, of course, be kept confidential. The Institute is in compliance with the provisions of the Family Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. This law regulates the release of any personal information.
Involve other family members who must provide information. Your parent(s) will need to complete the parent section of the form if you are classified as a "dependent" student for federal financial aid purposes. Remember to sign the form; if you apply through FAFSA on the Web, you will need to print, sign, and mail the signature page. (If you do not have a printer, the signature page will be mailed to you.) A parent must also sign if they contributed information to the form.
If you need assistance with the form, feel free to call our Student Financial Services Office. Our number is 1.800.616.2473.