However, understanding all the terms is a vital part of succeeding in getting the aid you need.
The good news is that an FSA ID is simple to understand and easy to create.
Your FSA ID is the username and password that you and your student use on the federal student aid website to submit the FAFSA and complete any federal loan documents.
The username and password help confirm your identity and keep your information secure and private.
As a result, it’s important to use a strong password and follow usual internet security rules, such as not sharing your username and password with others.
The FSA ID is also used to electronically sign financial student aid documents.
Anyone who is involved in the federal student aid application process needs an FSA ID.
It functions as a signature, so parents and children cannot share the same ID. Instead, each individual needs one.
No one should create an FSA ID for you, nor should you share your FSA ID information with anyone else. It’s similar to allowing someone to forge your signature, and can put your financial information at risk.
You can create your ID online at fsaid.ed.gov. You will need the following personal information:
You will set up a username and password, along with four challenge questions and answers that will help with security. You can only apply for an FSA ID on the government website.
Don’t get fooled by third party companies marketing to fill out your FAFSA – they cannot create your FSA ID, only you can.
Be sure not to use a school-affiliated email address when you register for your FSA ID.
You may change schools or need to access your information after school is finished, and having an active email address is important.
Once you’ve created your FSA ID and submitted your FAFSA, make sure you know how to understand your Student Aid Report (SAR).
Need assistance finding the right schools to apply to? We can help.
Our College Insights tool can help match your student with the schools that will be most likely to offer you the most need- based aid or merit scholarships, leaving you with less to pay on your own.
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Comments in this story were first published in our Paying for College 101 (PFC 101) Facebook community. They’ve been edited
For many families, saving up enough money to cover the entire cost of their children’s higher education just isn’t possible.
This story was originally published in our Paying for College 101 (PFC 101) group. It has been edited for clarity
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