FAFSA

To receive financial aid through Virginia Tech, each student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. The FAFSA is used to determine eligibility for many scholarships (including general scholarships from our office), grants, work study, and federal loans. (Alternative educational loans must be applied for separately through a private lender). The FAFSA is available for completion beginning on October 1 prior to the upcoming aid year, and must be submitted (with valid signatures) by Virginia Tech's priority deadline of March 1, 2023 for the upcoming 2023-2024 academic year. Remember that for maximum scholarship and financial aid consideration, you must complete the FAFSA and the General Scholarship application by January 22, 2023.

To file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA):

• Login to apply online (Recommended) or
• Request a paper FAFSA by calling 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) or319-337-5665. If you are hearing impaired, contact the TTY line at 1-800-730-8913.

Please Note: If you indicate on your FAFSA that you will sign a paper signature sheet and send it in, then the federal processor holds your FAFSA application for 10 days.

If the FAFSA is not processed with valid signatures by the priority deadline:

• The award package could be delayed
• The student may not be considered for some scholarships and grants such as the Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP), Virginia Tech Grants, and the General Scholarship Program.
• The student would still be considered for Federal aid, including the Federal Pell Grant and Federal Loans.

Where to Start

• Don’t know how to fill out a FAFSA? The FAFSA on the Web Worksheet is a helpful tool you can use to review the FAFSA questions before beginning the online submission process.
• Before you complete the FAFSA, you will need a Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID) from the Department of Education. 
• After you have completed the FAFSA, you will receive an Expected Family Contribution.
• After you have completed the FAFSA, you will also receive a Student Aid Report (SAR)
• Want more information? Our page of helpful tips may be helpful when completing or correcting the FAFSA.

Documents Needed for the FAFSA

It is helpful to assemble the documents needed to complete the FAFSA ahead of time. Students and parents will need;

• a Social Security Number
• a driver's license
• income tax return (or estimated income amounts)
• bank statements
• investment records
• W-2 forms (for student and spouse or parent, depending on dependency status)
• Schedule C (for individuals who own their own businesses)