How to... file your FAFSA form on-line

Applying for Financial Aid at SUNY Cortland begins with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  The application process is web-based and this document is designed to provide you with step-by-step instructions.

GET A PIN NUMBER:   The application process is much faster if the student and at least one parent (if applicable) obtain a Personal Identification Number (PIN) from the U.S. Department of Education.  Just like using a bank card, this PIN number can be used as an “electronic signature” for your FAFSA application.  The student and parent can each obtain their own PIN at www.pin.ed.gov.  Once you get your PIN, you’ll be required to return to the www.pin.ed.gov website to “activate” your PIN.  Be sure to request your PIN a few weeks before you plan to submit the FAFSA, and keep it in a safe place for use throughout the college years.

GATHER THE DOCUMENTS YOU NEED:

Student and parent security numbers.

Student’s driver’s license number (if you have one).

Alien Registration Number (if not a U.S. citizen).

SUNY Cortland’s college ID number is 002843

Federal tax information or tax returns, including W-2 forms, for yourself, for your spouse if you are married, or for your parents if you are required to provide parent information.  Use records prior to the academic year for which you are applying. (Use 2007 tax information to apply for 2008-2009 academic year).

Records of any untaxed income, such as Social Security benefits, Welfare benefits, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Veteran’s Benefits, etc.; for either the student or parent.

Information on savings, investments and business or farm assets for the student and parents (NOT including home value or value of retirement pensions, 401K plans, IRA’s, etc.).

~~~ AN APPLICATION TIP ~~~ 

You can download the FAFSA Worksheet off from the www.fafsa.ed.gov website to help you collect the information you need to fill out the FAFSA online. 

PLAN A DATE AND TIME TO APPLY:  It’s usually best if the student and at least one parent work on the electronic FAFSA application together.  It is much easier to complete the application if both the student and parent(s) have completed their state and federal income tax returns before filing the FAFSA.  However, if it is not possible to complete the tax returns before Cortland ’s FAFSA filing deadline (March 1), the application allows the use of “estimated income”.  Using an estimate will likely slow the aid process considerably as future corrections will likely be required.  Remember, you cannot apply before January 2, 200 8 .

READY?  NOW APPLY!  Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov and apply electronically.

REMEMBER TO SUBMIT/CONFIRM YOUR APPLICATION:  Submit your application.  You will receive a confirmation number which shows that you have successfully submitted your application.  Keep this number for your records.

APPLY FOR A TAP AWARD TOO:  Upon confirmation of your FAFSA submission, you will have the option of linking to the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application (assuming you are a New York State resident and you listed at least one college in New York on the FAFSA).  Go ahead and complete this application right away.   

WATCH YOUR E-MAILBOX:  Your application will be processed and, if you provided a valid e-mail address, you will receive an e-mail with a link to your “Student Aid Report” (SAR).  If you did not provide an e-mail address, you will receive your SAR by mail.  Review your SAR for any necessary corrections.  SAR information should be sent to you within one to two weeks.

CORTLAND WILL DO THE REST (WELL, MOSTLY…):  All of the FAFSA information you submitted will be processed by the Department of Education and sent to Cortland electronically.  If your SAR indicates that you were selected for “verification” or had other FAFSA issues, we may need additional documentation from you.  If so, we’ll send you a letter and also post a notice in your personal BannerWeb account at the school.  Once any issues or questions are resolved, we will process an award “package” for you, usually within a week to ten days.

CALL US IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS:  We try to make this as easy as possible, but we are here to help if you get stuck along the way.  Please call us at 607-753-4717 or e-mail at finaid@cortland.edu if we can be of any assistance.