Tips for completing the FAFSA
(Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

Read all instructions.

• Use a pen with black ink or a number 2 pencil
• Do not skip any questions.

STEP 1: You (the student)

• Your name must exactly match the name on your Social Security Card (Lines 1-3)
• Marital status – this is the student's marital status as of today (Line 15) (the parents' marital status is reported on line 59)
• Drug convictions – DO NOT LEAVE THIS BLANK; check for details online Question 35 (Line 35).
  If you have a Drug Conviction, please call The U.S. Department of Education at
  (202) 266-9988

STEP 2: Student's Income and assets

• Student's earnings and taxes as reported on the Federal tax form; 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, 1040X, or Telefile.

STEP 3: Student Status

• If you answer "yes" to at least one question 52-58, then you are considered to be an independent student and can move on to Step 5. Students who answered "no" to all questions must include parents' income information in Step 4, otherwise the FAFSA will be rejected.

STEP 4: Parents' information

• Parents' earnings and taxes as reported on the Federal tax form; 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, 1040X, or Telefile.
• Report taxes paid, not taxes withheld (Line 75).
• If interest or dividends are reported on your taxes, the principal source must be reported on the FAFSA under investments (Line 82).

STEP 5: Household information

• Report number in household and number in college carrying at least six credit hours per term and pursuing a degree or certificate. Note: Parents are excluded from the number in college, even if the parent is attending college.

STEP 6: Schools where you are applying

• You may list up to six schools that should receive your student aid report.
• Mesa State College Federal School Code is 001358.
• For other school codes, call the financial aid office of the school you wish to attend, check with your high school counselor, or check on the web at this link.

STEP 7: Signature and date

• Sign and date the form (dependent students must have a parent's signature).
• If you are filing your FAFSA online, be sure to print out a signature page, sign it and mail it to the Federal Processor.

For additional help, call the Financial Aid Office at Mesa State, at (970) 248-1396 or 1-800-982-6372.