The FAFSA

General Information

In order to receive financial aid through Virginia Tech, each student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. The FAFSA is used to determine eligibility for many scholarships (including general scholarships from our office) and to award a student financial aid in the form of grants, work study, and federal loans.  (Alternative educational loans must be applied for separately through a private lender or bank.)  The FAFSA is available for completion on January 1 prior to the upcoming aid year, and must be submitted (with valid signatures) by Virginia Tech's March 11 priority deadline.

Please Note: If you indicate on your FAFSA that you will sign a paper signature sheet and send it in, then the federal processor holds your FAFSA application for 10 days. However, the FAFSA is not held if it is signed with a valid PIN(s).

If the FAFSA is not processed with valid signatures by March 11:

• The student will be ineligible for some scholarships and grants such as the Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP), Virginia Tech Grants, and the General Scholarship Program
• If eligible, the student will still be able to receive some federal aid, including the Pell Grant and Federal Loans
• The awarding process will be delayed

The FAFSA can be completed online or on paper. Although the online FAFSA is the preferred method, a student can request up to three paper FAFSAs by calling the Federal Student Aid Information Center toll-free at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243). The requested paper FAFSAs can be expected to come in the mail within 3-7 business days. Online FASFA applications can be accessed through the Department of Education's FAFSA Website.

Places to Start

• Don’t know how to fill out a FAFSA?  The FAFSA on the Web Worksheet is a helpful tool you can use to review the FAFSA questions before beginning the online submission process.
• Think you're ready to start? The FAFSA 4Caster is an excellent way to experience the application process before filling out the FAFSA. It also gives a general estimate of your eligibility for federal financial aid.
• Before you complete the FAFSA, you will need a Personal Identification Number (PIN), from the Department of Education. 
• After you have completed the FAFSA, you will receive an Estimated Family Contribution.
• After you have completed the FAFSA, you will also receive a Student Aid Report (SAR)
• Want more information? Our page of helpful tips may be helpful when completing or correcting the FAFSA.