How to Apply Step by Step: Financial Aid

Download Simple Steps to Apply for Financial Aid brochure

I. Register for Personal Identification Number (PIN) www.pin.ed.gov

• Your U.S. Department of Education Personal Identification Number (PIN) is your key to financial aid on the Web. Your PIN is how the U.S. Department of Education identifies you online. You will use your PIN to access many different services throughout your educational career.
  
• Parents of dependent students should obtain their own PIN.
  
• Your PIN will allow you to sign your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) electronically.
  
• You may use your PIN to check the status of your electronic FAFSA or to make online changes to your FAFSA.
  
• If you provide a valid e-mail address, you will be e-mailed instructions within three days about how to access your PIN online. Otherwise, your PIN will be mailed to you via U.S. mail in 7 to 10 days.
  

II. Complete the Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA) www.fafsa.ed.gov

• The FAFSA is the application the federal government uses to determine your eligibility for federal aid. This aid can include grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans.
  
• FAFSA on the Web does a “final check” of your information to make sure your FAFSA is ready for processing before it is submitted.
  
• Make sure you request your results be sent to Arapahoe Community College. Our title IV school code is 001346.
  
• You can complete a FAFSA online or a paper FAFSA obtain through our office, but make sure you only submit one application. The online application usually cuts the processing time in half and is what we recommend to students.

III. Receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) by mail (or e-mail) from the Department of Education

• Your SAR will have a synopsis of your FAFSA application. We will receive your SAR electronically at the same time, and will then know if we require any additional information from you in order to complete your file.

IV. Additional forms that might be requested of you:

• Selective service: All males between the ages of 18-26 are required to register with selective service. https://www.sss.gov/
  
• Declaration of degree: If you have not declared a degree yet, or need to change what is currently listed then go to Declaration of Educational Goal/Major (PDF format). Check one box.
  
• If you are an Independent student selected for verification seeking financial aid for the (2009-2010) school year (August 2009– July 2010), complete Verification Worksheet - Independent (PDF format).
  
• If you are a dependant student who is selected for verification seeking financial aid for the (2009-2010) school year (August 2009– July 2010), complete Verification Worksheet - Dependent (PDF format).