Top 10 Things to Know about Filing FAFSA and Financial Aid

by Billy Chandler
It’s time to start learning about how to pay for college! Paying for college and access to quality higher education is one of the top things to consider along with many variables including campus fit, academics and student activities. Paying for college doesn’t have to be a burden. There are many options available to support students and we are proud to be Pell-eligible friendly and also offer some of the highest academic merit scholarships available thanks to the generosity of our alumni and donors. Check our helpful list of what to know about FAFSA and financial aid. Apply now for FAFSA.
  1. FAFSA is the gateway to begin your college financial aid process. After you apply for admission, you’ll want to file your FAFSA, free application for federal student aid.
  2. Every new and returning student should file a FAFSA.
  3. FAFSA opens starting October 1 of the year prior to enrollment. The earlier you apply, the better so you can proceed to your next steps in the enrollment and financial aid process such as applying for loans, grants and outside scholarships
  4. March 1 prior to fall enrollment is the priority deadline for filing FAFSA. 
  5. You’ll need the following items to file FAFSA: social security number, driver’s license number (if available), alien registration number (if you are not a U.S. citizen), records of investment, Federal Student Aid ID (FSAID), bank statements, records of untaxed income, federal taxes
  6. Families may use the prior, prior year’s tax returns to file FAFSA.
  7. To file FAFSA, you will need to use or create an FSAID. The ID is the electronic signature for the FAFSA. If a student’s parents’ information is required on the FAFSA, one parent should obtain an ID to use as his or her signature. Students and parents can also use the ID for signing electronic master promissory notes, accessing federal aid records, and filing for aid for the next year
  8. Verification is a process that confirms the accuracy of the FAFSA form. Students whose FAFSA information has been selected for verification must complete all requirements before any Financial Aid is disbursed. This process may require some additional documents to be presented to verify qualification. 
  9. Under certain circumstances, a family may not desire to file FAFSA. If not completing a FAFSA, alert the Financial Aid Office or your Admissions Counselor.
  10. Emory & Henry Admissions Office is here to help with your financial aid process and will help walk you through the available options to finance your education. Students can earn up to $23,000 in academic merit scholarships from Emory & Henry renewable for 4 years aside from any federal, state or grant funding. Students may apply to join an E&H Interest or Performance group in addition to a merit award.  

File FAFSA

At Emory & Henry College, we are your partner in affordability and are here to help you navigate how to apply for aid through a guided step-by-step process.

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