Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Important FAFSA Dates:

• The 2026-2027 FAFSA is available for filing now.
• The deadline for filing the 2026-2027 FAFSA is midnight, CT, June 30, 2027.
• Valid for Fall 2026, Spring 2027, and Summer 2027.

• The 2025-2026 FAFSA is is available for filing now.
• The deadline for filing the 2025-2026 FAFSA is midnight, CT, June 30, 2026.
• Valid for Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026.

Before you begin:

You will need to Create a New FSA ID if one does not exist.  Each student and contributor (for Dependent students) will need to have an active FSA ID to complete and sign the FAFSA. 

• The FAFSA now uses the IRS Direct Data Exchange to import tax information; consent must be provided prior to using this tool; click here for more information.
  • Should you need to correct any tax information, please use your 2023 tax returns for 2025-2026, and your 2024 tax returns for 2026-2027.

You may also need the following information on-hand when completing the FAFSA:

• Cleveland State's Federal School Code: 003032
• Your Social Security number and your driver's license (if applicable)
• W2 forms and other records of money earned (some 1099 forms)
• Your (and/or your parents') Federal Income Tax Returns
• Any untaxed income records including payments to tax deferred pension and savings plans, tax exempt interest and child support received for the calendar year
• Records of any grants, scholarships, and/or fellowship aid that was included in your or your parents' adjusted gross income (AGI)
• Any current bank statements
• Any current business and investment mortgage information, business and farm records, stock, bonds and other investment records
• Documentation that you are a permanent resident or other eligible noncitizen if applicable

Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA):

Visit https://studentaid.gov/ to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.  This application should be completed each year.  See the Federal Student Aid website to confirm the tax year you should be using to complete the application.

The 2026-2027 FAFSA is now available!

To be considered for federal, state, and institutional need-based financial aid, students must complete the FAFSA. 

NOTE: Beginning with the 2024-2025 FAFSA, contributors (anyone who is required to provide information on a student's FAFSA form) must now consent to transfer their tax information through the IRS Direct Data Exchange (DDX).  

Helpful Resources:

Filling Out the FAFSA Form

What's a Student Aid Index (SAI)?

How to Pay for College

7 Easy Steps to the FAFSA

After your FAFSA is Submitted