Applying for Student Aid




To apply for federal financial aid, you must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
It can be completed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov

Why fill out a FAFSA?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step in the financial aid process. It is used to apply for federal student financial aid, such as the Pell Grant, student loans, and federal work-study. Learn more about federal grants, Stafford loans and Plus loans.

 Completing the FAFSA is essential to determining your financial aid.



Materials needed to fill out a FAFSA

- Your driver’s license and Social Security card
- Income tax returns
- W-2 forms and other records of money earned
- Current bank statements
- Records and documentation of other untaxed income, such as welfare benefits,
  Social Security income, veteran’s benefits, AFDC, or military or clergy allowances
- Records of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other investments
- Business or farm records (if applicable)
- Your PIN (see below)



How to obtain your PIN to sign your FAFSA and access your account

Your U.S. Department of Education PIN is your electronic signature. It allows you to electronically sign your FAFSA, check its status online, and access your account information. Getting your PIN is the first necessary step to apply for financial aid.

Go to the Department of Education PIN Registration website and click "Apply for a PIN." Simply complete the application and submit it. You can choose to instantly view your PIN online, receive and email with your PIN immediately, or have your PIN sent by mail within 7 to 10 days. Once you receive it, use it to sign your application and keep it in a secure place. Do not share your PIN with anyone.



Which FAFSA should you complete?


- If you are planning to start after July 1, 2010 you will only need to complete the 2010-2011 application.



How to avoid errors when completing your FAFSA

- Do not leave a field blank.
- Use the 1040 federal income tax return form, not the W-2 form, for reporting income and taxes paid.
- Do not use nicknames, use your legal name as it appears on your Social Security card.
- Do not forget to sign your FAFSA. Your parents must also sign it if you are a dependent student.



Helpful tips to successfully complete your FAFSA

There are nine steps to completing a FAFSA; make sure you complete all the steps.

- Select the FAFSA you need to complete. ( Please refer to the section “Which FAFSA
  should you complete?” above)

- At this point you will be asked, “Do you want to sign your application now by using your PIN?”
  Choose “YES” if you have already received your PIN or “NO” if you have not requested a PIN
  or are waiting for it to arrive.  (If you select "No", you can still complete a FAFSA and view your
  Web Submission Confirmation page. You can go back later, when you receive your PIN,
  and sign your FAFSA electronically.)

- Step 5 will ask you for a school code. Kaplan University’s school code is 004586 (Davenport, Iowa).

- Step 6 allows you to print out a copy of your FAFSA for your records.

- Step 9 will allow you to view the Web Submission Confirmation page.

Very important: If you do not print/copy the submission page at this time, you will be unable to access it for 24 to 72 hours.
If you have chosen to sign without a PIN, you will not be able to access this page until you have your PIN.



What to do after you submit your FAFSA 

Immediately after you submit your FAFSA, you will be presented with the Web Submission Confirmation page. Copy and paste your confirmation page into an email and send it to your Admissions Advisor. If you prefer, you can also print out this page and fax it to your Admissions Advisor.



Based on your FAFSA results, the Financial Aid Office will then put together your financial aid award or send you an e-mail to complete the Self-Award.



How to correct errors in your FAFSA

You should receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) via regular mail approximately 3 to 4 weeks after you submit your FAFSA; however, it will be ready to view on the FAFSA website 3 days after your FAFSA submission. This report will state your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), restate what you put on the FAFSA, and give you the opportunity to correct wrong information. If you make corrections to your application, the Financial Aid Office will then revise your financial aid award and send you a copy for your review. The revised award letter will tell you what financial aid you are eligible to receive after the changes have been made.

Return to Main Menu