FAFSA

To receive financial aid through Virginia Tech, each student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. Virginia Tech uses the FAFSA to determine eligibility for many scholarships (including general scholarships from our office), grants, work study, and federal student and parent loans.

To be considered for the maximum financial aid, including institutional Virginia Tech scholarships, submit the 2026–27 FAFSA (with valid signatures) and the General Scholarship Application by January 22, 2026.  The priority filing date for federal and state aid eligibility is March 1, 2026.

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

• 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 Student Aid Index (SAI). This is not the amount you will pay, but the number used by our office to determine your aid eligibility. 
• After you have completed the FAFSA, you will also receive a FAFSA Submission Summary. Review this to make sure no corrections are needed on your FAFSA. 
• 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 may need;

• a Social Security number (SSN)
• 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)