Apply for Aid

Applying for federal student aid is quicker and easier than ever. You can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.

Even if you think you’re not likely to qualify for need-based aid, it’s still a good idea to apply. Many scholarships awarded by the university require applicants to apply for need-based aid. Applying is free and many students are pleasantly surprised when they discover the aid they are eligible to receive.

Apply Using FAFSA

To be considered for financial assistance including need-based grants, scholarships, federal loans, and/or work study, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) beginning October 1. The process is free, and you should never pay to apply for federal financial aid.

Before you begin the FAFSA, you should gather the following documentation for reference:

  • Your Social Security card (it is important that you enter your Social Security Number correctly)
  • Your driver's license (if any)
  • Your W-2 forms and other records of money earned
  • Your (and your spouse’s, if you are married) Federal Income Tax Return
  • Your Parents’ Federal Income Tax Return (if you are a dependent student)
  • Your Parents’ W-2 forms
  • Your untaxed income records
  • Your current bank statements
  • Your current business and investment mortgage information, business and farm records, stock, bond and other investment records

To organize your information, you can print and complete a FAFSA on the Web Worksheet before you begin entering your information online. However, you are not required to do so. FAFSA on the Web will guide you through the questions that you must answer, and you can save your application and return to it later if you don’t have the information you need to answer any of the questions.

Kettering's Federal School Code is 002262

You'll need a FSA ID to “sign” your online FAFSA, make corrections to the application, and more. You, and your parent if you're a dependent student, can apply for an FSA ID at any time. If you don't have one by the time you fill out your FAFSA, you will be prompted to apply for one.

The FSA ID replaces the Federal Student Aid PIN. If you already have a PIN, you can link your information to your new FSA ID by entering your PIN while registering for your FSA ID. (This will save you time when registering for your FSA ID.) However, a PIN is not required to create an FSA ID.

When you complete the FAFSA, the government requires that you report information from two years prior. Circumstances can drastically change in two years, which can affect your ability to pay for your education. As a result, you may be eligible for a Professional Judgment.

Common Mistakes When Applying

Make sure your application is accurate and complete. The following are common mistakes applicants make:

  • Forgetting to sign the application. If you are a dependent student, be sure both you and a parent sign the FAFSA using your PIN numbers.
  • For income reporting, parents often use their W-2 forms. They should take the Adjusted Gross Income directly from their 1040 federal tax return, not from the W-2.
  • When reporting taxes paid, parents often use the taxes withheld on their W-2 form and not their actual tax liability. The FAFSA is specific about which line of the 1040 should be reported for taxes paid.
  • Not reporting all required sources of untaxed income. Be sure to include Social Security, child support paid, payments from Department of Human Services (DHS) and payments to tax-deferred pension and savings plans reported on your W-2 forms.
  • Divorced parents sometimes include their ex-spouse’s income. They should report only their income and that of their current spouse.
  • Not following instructions.

CAUTION: When you complete an application for financial aid, you are applying for government funds. Providing false or intentionally misleading information is a felony punishable by up to five (5) years in prison and a $10,000 fine. It is the obligation of the Office of Financial Aid Services to submit the files of students suspected of committing fraud or attempted fraud to the Inspector General’s Office. Students who commit, or attempt to commit fraud, may also be subject to institutional disciplinary action.

After Completing the FAFSA

Student Aid Report

Once you have completed the FAFSA, the results of your FAFSA are sent electronically to the schools you listed on your application and you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR).

The SAR summarizes all the information you provided on your FAFSA. It must be correct before you can receive federal aid. If you provided a valid e-mail address, you’ll get your SAR e-mail in 3 to 5 days. The email contains a secure link to your SAR online. If you don’t provide a valid e-mail address, it takes about 7 to 10 days before you’ll receive your SAR by postal mail.

When you get your SAR, review it for accuracy. If you need to make corrections to your SAR, you can make them online using your PIN at studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.

Financial Aid Award Letter

Once your FAFSA has been reviewed and your financial need/financial aid eligibility has been determined; we will send you an award letter listing the type(s) and amount(s) of aid you qualify for. If there are any changes made to your financial aid package at any time — e.g., a new scholarship is added, or a loan is cancelled — a new award letter will be sent to you.