Complete and File Your FAFSA or Free Application for Federal Student Aid

• Just by filing your FAFSA, you are automatically considered for a variety of federal loan programs! One application – many possibilities!
• FAFSA deadlines vary based on your situation. Visit our deadline calendar for more info.
• FAFSA FAQs

 

FAFSA is the only application required by Hofstra University to begin the financial aid process. That makes it the single most important step!

Why It's Important

Information from your FAFSA is used to determine your eligibility for financial aid. No FAFSA – No aid. So be sure to file!

When to File

Deadlines for filing your FAFSA vary based on your situation.

• Hofstra University recommends that you file your application by February 15 of the year for which you desire aid. For example, most incoming freshmen, should file their FAFSA by  February 15th of their senior year in high school.

A Note about the deadlines: When you visit the FAFSA web site, you may notice that the official deadline to submit 2011-2012 FAFSA on the Web Applications is midnight Central Daylight time, June 30, 2012. Please realize that filing at this late date may affect your financial aid. Filing your FAFSA by 15th will ensure that your application is in order prior to the school year.

How to File

File your FAFSA online at www.FAFSA.gov. Have your US Department of Education PIN handy. And when you're asked to enter a “federal code” for Hofstra University, input: 002732. Take a look at our FAFSA FAQs to get answers to common questions, or contact your SFS Counselor for assistance.

What to Expect

AWARD NOTIFICATIONS BEGIN IN MID FEBRUARY FOR ADMITTED STUDENTS. THIS NOTIFICATION WILL OUTLINE WHAT YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR AND WHAT NEXT STEPS YOU NEED TO TAKE. Here's how it works:

Once you complete the FAFSA and provide the required signatures, you must wait 3-5 days while your FAFSA is processed. Your information will be automatically sent to you and you'll receive a Student Aid Report (SAR).

Your SAR will summarize the data you reported on your FAFSA, so be sure to check it carefully and keep a copy of it. Please pay close attention to your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). If your FAFSA information is complete, an EFC will appear in the upper right corner of your SAR. Your EFC is based on the financial information you provided on the FAFSA, and this figure will be used by Hofstra to award your financial aid.

Verification

On occasion, the federal processor of the FAFSA may ask for additional or corroborative information. This process is known as Verification. If your student's application is selected for verification, you will be notified directly. It's important to follow through on any requests for additional information, or you may not receive any aid. For more information about verification, including why you may have been chosen and what YOU MUST DO NEXT

Still Have Questions?

Visit our FAFSA FAQ first. If you don't see an answer to your question, contact your SFS Counselor.