Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Important FAFSA Dates:

• The 2024-2025 FAFSA is available for filing now.
• The deadline for filing the 2024-2025 FAFSA is midnight, CT, June 30, 2025.
• Valid for Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025.

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• The 2025-2026 FAFSA is scheduled to be available for filing on or around December 1, 2024 (more information to come).
• The deadline for filing the 2025-2026 FAFSA is midnight, CT, June 30, 2026.
• Valid for Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026.

Before you begin:

You will need to Create a New FSA ID if one does not exist.  Each student and contributor (for Dependent students) will need to have an active FSA ID to complete and sign the FAFSA. 

• The 2024-2025 FAFSA (and beyond) uses the IRS Direct Data Exchange to import tax information; consent must be provided prior to using this tool; click here for more information.
  • Should you need to correct any tax information, please use your 2022 tax returns for 2024-2025.

You may also need the following information on-hand when completing the FAFSA:

• Cleveland State's Federal School Code: 003032
• Your Social Security number and your driver's license (if applicable)
• W2 forms and other records of money earned (some 1099 forms)
• Your (and/or your parents') Federal Income Tax Retuns
• Any untaxed income records including payments to tax deferred pension and savings plans, tax exempt interest and child support received for the calendar year
• Records of any grants, scholarships, and/or fellowship aid that was included in your or your parents' adjusted gross income (AGI)
• Any current bank statements
• Any current business and investment mortgage information, business and farm records, stock, bonds and other investment records
• Documentation that you are a permanent resident or other eligible noncitizen if applicable

Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA):

Visit https://studentaid.gov/ to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.  This application should be completed each year.  See the Federal Student Aid website to confirm the tax year you should be using to complete the application.

The 2024-2025 FAFSA is now available!

The delayed opening of the FAFSA application was only temporary for the 2024-2025 academic year to accommodate the extensive changes required as part of the Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education Act (FUTURE Act). In the 2025-2026 aid year, it is anticipated that the FAFSA will be available on December 1.

For a summary of changes to the 2024-2025 FAFSA form, please click here. 

To be considered for federal, state, and institutional need-based financial aid, students must complete the FAFSA. 

NOTE: The IRS Data Retrieval Tool automatically transfers tax information into the FAFSA form (applicable only to 23-24 FAFSA).  Beginning with the 2024-2025 FAFSA, contributors (anyone who is required to provide information on a student's FAFSA form) must now consent to transfer their tax information through the IRS Direct Data Exchange (DDX).  

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Helpful Resources:

Filling Out the FAFSA Form

Launch of the 24-25 FAFSA Form

What's a Student Aid Index (SAI)?

2024-2025 FAFSA FAQs

How to Pay for College

7 Easy Steps to the FAFSA

After your FAFSA is Submitted