FAFSA® is Easier Than You Think

By Brandon Swenson March 31, 2022

Planning to use financial aid to fund your education? We’re here to help guide you through FAFSA®, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

There are no strings attached: FAFSA® is free, doesn't commit you to a college or university, and brings you one step closer to admission.

Gather Essential Documents

Before you begin, make sure you have key documents ready:

  • Your Social Security Number
  • Tax returns and financial records (from the prior-prior year)
  • Bank statements and investment records
  • FSA ID (username and password for FAFSA)

Start Your FAFSA®

  • Start your FAFSA® by Creating an FSA ID at https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launchFSA ID is a username and password combination that allows you to complete the process online.
    • You’ll need: Your Social Security Number, a mobile phone number or an email address
    • Pro tip: Be sure to write down your username and password and keep this info in a safe place
  • Continue to enter your personal information—name, email, marital status and schools you are interested in attending.
    • Remember: Enter UA Grantham’s school code 041223—this will get us your information automatically (we may be listed as Grantham University)
  • Enter your financial information.
    • Pro Tip: Save time and automatically import your tax information using the IRA Data Retrieval Tool (IRS DRT)—be sure to use the EXACT address you used when filing your taxes
    • Finally, you may be required to enter information about your legal parents if you are a dependent student.

Submit & Sign FAFSA® Electronically

After filling out the form, you’ll need to electronically sign using your FSA ID. Double-check all entries to avoid errors, and submit the application. Remember, FAFSA® opens every October 1st, and deadlines vary, so apply as soon as possible to maximize your aid.

Review Your Student Aid Report (SAR)

Once you submit the FAFSA®, you’ll receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) outlining your eligibility for federal aid. Review it carefully to ensure all information is accurate.

For more information about tuition and financial aid, visit https://www.uagrantham.edu/online-college-tuition/ or https://www.studentaid.gov/.

About the Author

Brandon Swenson
Brandon Swenson, communications manager, is on University of Arkansas Grantham’s editorial board. A veteran and college graduate himself, he understands the benefits and intricacies of government education programs, such as veteran education benefits. Brandon earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City toward the end of his nearly two-decade tour in the United States Marine Corps.
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