Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Before starting the FAFSA application, gather necessary documents such as Social Security Number, driver's license (if any), tax returns (yours and your parents' if applicable), W-2 forms, and records of untaxed income.

Visit the Federal Student Aid website and create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID if you haven't already. This ID serves as your electronic signature and provides access to various federal student aid websites.

Navigate to the official FAFSA website at fafsa.ed.gov or use the myStudentAid mobile app to begin your application.

Begin a new FAFSA application. Be sure to select the correct award year and specify that you are attending a community college.

Carefully complete each section of the FAFSA form. Provide accurate information about yourself, your family, your finances, and your educational plans. Double-check all entries for accuracy.

Add the Federal School Code(s) for the community college(s) you plan to attend. You can list up to 10 schools on your FAFSA form.

The school code for Southwestern College is 001294

Electronically sign your FAFSA using your FSA ID. If you're a dependent student, one of your parents will also need to sign. Review the application carefully before submitting to ensure accuracy.

After submitting your FAFSA, you'll receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) via email or postal mail within a few days to a few weeks. Review the SAR for any errors and make corrections if necessary.

Some colleges may have additional financial aid requirements beyond the FAFSA. Check with your community college's financial aid office to ensure you've completed all necessary steps.

Keep track of your FAFSA application status by logging into your FSA account or contacting your community college's financial aid office. Stay informed about any additional documentation or actions required.

If selected for verification, provide any additional documentation requested by your community college's financial aid office promptly. Failure to do so may delay the processing of your financial aid.

Once you receive your financial aid award letter from your community college, carefully review the offers and accept the aid that best meets your needs. Be mindful of deadlines for accepting aid.

Some types of financial aid, such as scholarships or grants, may require separate applications. Be sure to complete any additional forms or applications as required.

To apply for financial aid in the United States, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Some colleges and universities may also require additional forms. Check with your school's financial aid office for specific requirements.

The FAFSA becomes available on October 1st of each year for the following academic year. It's recommended to submit your FAFSA as soon as possible after that date to maximize your eligibility for aid.

When you completed the 2023-2024 FAFSA, you reported your and your family’s income for tax year 2021.  Since then, many students and/or their parents have lost jobs or otherwise had a loss of income.  The SWC Financial Aid Office may be able to help.  If you or your parents’ income has decreased since 2021, you can submit a Projected Year Income Appeal, to show why your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) may be higher than it should be.  Go to our Appeals & Special Circumstances page to obtain the appeal today!

All documents need to be reviewed for accuracy and completeness before processing can begin. If any documents are missing, your packet will be returned to you for completion.

Your file will be considered complete once you return all requested documentation.

Pending no additional required verification forms, you will receive an email regarding the financial aid results.

Critical financial aid updates and notices are sent to your SWC email address. It's important to check it frequently.

All financial aid communication is sent exclusively to your SWC email address.

Any omission or errors on your form can delay processing. Please ensure all required verification forms are completed completely and accurately.

If requested, present original documentation of your U.S. citizenship, such as your U.S. Passport, Certificate of Citizenship, or Certificate of Naturalization.

Please provide a copy of your high school diploma or transcript, including the graduation date.

Please provide a copy of your foreign high school diploma, including all supporting documentation such as class listings, semester by semester plans, grades, seals, and signatures. Foreign high school documentation must be evaluated separately and can take 2-4 weeks for review.

If you are a Ward of the Court, Emancipated Minor, have Legal Guardianship, or are Homeless according to your FAFSA application, you will need to provide verification to document your status.

Students who did not receive fall aid before the end of fall term may qualify for retroactive disbursements under certain conditions. The Financial Aid Office will wait for all fall grades to be submitted and verify that potentially eligible students completed at least 6 units in fall. Retroactive fall disbursements may occur in the second or third scheduled disbursement period in spring.