Apply for Aid

Use the following steps to apply for financial assistance:

  1. The student and contributor(s) (student, the student’s spouse, a biological or adopted parent, or the parent’s spouse) must create an FSA ID.
    1. Use the following link to create an FSA ID: https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account
  2. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
    1. Use the following link to complete the FAFSA: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa 
       

 

Due to the FAFSA Simplification Act of 2020, there have been changes to the traditional FAFSA process. Please review the following information regarding the 2024-2025 FAFSA submission process.

Changes to the FAFSA
  1. The FAFSA will not be avaialble for submission until December of 2023
    1. Although the FAFSA is available for submission in December of 2023, the Department of Education has announced that it will not provide information from the student FAFSA's available to colleges/universities until mid/late January, possibly later. 
      This will delay award packages! Gustavus will address and package students as soon as we are able to obtain your FAFSA information from the Department of Education.
  2. A significant change in the 2024-25 FAFSA will be the reduction of untaxed income items included in the SAI calculation. The following items are no longer included:
    1. Housing, food, and living allowances paid to member of the military and clergy
    2. Veterans non-education benefits
    3. Other untaxed income
    4. Money received or paid on behalf of the student
  3. A contributor refers to anyone who is required to provide information on a student’s FAFSA, including the student, the student’s spouse, a biological or adopted parent, or the parent’s spouse. Being a contributor does not imply responsibility for the student’s college costs.
    1. You, the student, will need the contributors email address to invite them to complete the required portion of your FAFSA.
    2. Contributors will need to provide personal and financial information on their section of your FAFSA. They will only be able to see and complete their own specific sections of your FAFSA.
    3. All Contributors must provide consent to have their federal tax information (FTI) transferred directly from the IRS to the FAFSA.
    4. If consent is not provided by all parties, you will not be eligible for federal, state, or institutional grant aid. In previous years, transferring IRS data was optional; moving forward, it’s required.
  4. The IRS DRT will be replaced with the Direct Data Exchange (DDX)
    1. EVERYONE (students, spouses (if applicable), and parents) will need to consent to have their Federal Tax Information (FTI) imported into the FTI module.
    2. All Contributors must provide consent to have their federal tax information (FTI) transferred directly from the IRS to the FAFSA. If consent is not provided by all parties, you will not be eligible for federal, state, or institutional grant aid. In previous years, transferring IRS data was optional; moving forward, it’s required.
    3. To provide consent, the individual will need to access the FAFSA with an FSA ID that has been matched with the Social Security Administration (SSA).
      Federal tax filers will have their tax information imported into the FTI module. No tax income will transfer into the FAFSA, but tax data will be sent to the colleges listed on the FAFSA.
      Non-tax filers must also check the box to consent. When IRS Data is accessed, the process will verify non-filing status.
  5. The number of people in your family size will be automatically pulled in from your Federal Tax Information (FTI).
    1. The number of family members in college will still be asked on the FAFSA, but it will be excluded from the federal, state, and institutional financial aid calculation.
  6. The net worth of any small business and/or farm assets must be included on the FAFSA.
    1. Remember, net worth = asset value minus asset debt.
  7. EFC is now SAI
    1. The final figure calculated by the FAFSA® will no longer be called the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Rather, it will be called the Student Aid Index (SAI) to more accurately describe how that number is used to determine financial aid eligibility.
  8. Student Aid Report (SAR) is now FAFSA Submission Summary
    1. The Student Aid Report (SAR), which is the confirmation of submitted information, will now be referred to as the FAFSA Submission Summary.

Other important information to note:
  • To receive your aid notification by the earliest possible date, get your FAFSA application submitted as quickly as possible.
  • Submit additional requested documents in a timely manner. Review "Required Documents" on the Gustavus MyGustavus to see outstanding forms required to complete your file.
  • Apply for all outside sources of assistance for which you are eligible. Community organizations, churches, insurance companies, corporations, and employers often give awards and/or matching grants based on financial need, academic achievement or membership. Review the applications posted outside the financial aid office. In most cases, outside scholarships will reduce the amount of loan you will need to finance your Gustavus education.
  • If there are special circumstances that affect your ability to contribute or your parent's ability to contribute to your educational expenses, please submit the Appeal Form outlining these circumstances to the Financial Aid Office. Instructions for reporting and documenting the most common circumstances can be found on the forms section of the Financial Aid web site under Appeal Form.
  • It is important that you meet all application deadlines to maximize the amount of assistance available to you. Minnesota residents should take special note of the state grant deadline posted in the FAFSA instructions.
  • Award notifications will be e-mailed to your Gustavus e-mail account on a rolling basis as files are completed.