The first step in applying for federal financial aid is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can fill out and submit this form online at: www.fafsa.ed.gov.  FAFSA is a yearly application, hence you have to reapply for financial aid every year. To be certain you are considered for assistance, please be sure to complete and submit your FAFSA by April 15, 2012 if you are applying for academic year 2012-2013. In order for us to receive this information once it has been processed, you will need to include AUB college code (G08371) in the college release section.  (Do not apply though before January 1; before this date your application will be rejected).

New applicants using FAFSA on the web should request a Personal Identification Number (PIN) which allows you (and your parents) to "sign" your FAFSA electronically.  The PIN may be requested at www.pin.ed.gov anytime before you complete and submit your FAFSA.  The PIN simplifies the application process and allows you to get your results faster. The PIN has other uses than singing the application electronically.  These are listed under the section PIN Uses.

DEADLINE:   Although the deadline stated on FAFSA site is end of June for those planning to enroll in October, the deadline for submitting a FAFSA for AUB students is set for April 15. It takes usually more time for foreign schools to receive the applications.  Any delay in applying will delay the processing of theapplication and further procedures may not be completed on time. 

Completing the FAFSA

What information do I need to complete a FAFSA accurately?

• Your Social Security number and your parents’ numbers, if you’re a dependent student.
• 2011 W-2 forms and other records of money earned (by you and by your parents, if you’re a dependent student).
• Your 2011 Federal Income Tax Return (and that of your spouse, if you’re married).
• Your parents’ 2011 Federal Income Tax Return (if you’re a dependent student).
• Any foreign tax return or tax return from Puerto Rico.
• Your 2011 untaxed income records—examples include Social Security benefits, welfare benefits such as Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) and veteran benefits.
• Your current bank statements, business and investment mortgage information; business and farm records; and stock, bond and other investment records.
• Your alien registration number (if you are not a U.S. citizen).

If possible, have the necessary 2011 income tax returns finished so you can complete the FAFSA more easily and accurately. If you apply before your tax return has been completed, you’ll have a two-step application process.

• Step 1—Apply and estimate your tax information on your application.
• Step 2—Make corrections later if your estimated income or tax information was not accurate.

You cannot receive federal student aid unless all your information is complete and accurate.

• In January 2012, you’ll receive notice (by e-mail or regular mail) reminding you to apply for the 2012–13 award year. The 2012–13 award year is July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013.
• You will need your PIN to access your 2012–13 FAFSA on the Web populated with your data. If you prefer to complete a paper application, you will have to provide all your information all over again.
• Review the information on your FAFSA and change or add information as needed, sign and submit it.
• You’ll then receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) containing your application results.
• Review your SAR to make sure all your information is correct.
• Check with your financial aid office, or contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) if you have questions about the FAFSA process for subsequent years.

Can I cancel?

Yes. Before your loan money is disbursed, you may cancel all or part of your loan at any time by notifying the Financial Aid Office. After your loan is disbursed, you may cancel all or part of the loan within certain timeframes. Your promissory note and additional information you receive from your school will explain the procedures and timeframes for canceling your loan.

New applicants using FAFSA on the web should request a Personal Identification Number (PIN) which allows you (and your parents) to "sign" your FAFSA electronically. The PIN may be requested at www.pin.ed.gov anytime before you complete and submit your FAFSA.  The PIN simplifies the application process and allows you to get your results faster. Within five business days of applying for a PIN, you’ll receive an e-mail with information about how to retrieve your PIN online. If you don’t provide an e-mail address, a PIN mailer will be sent to your permanent mailing address within 10 days.

Be sure to safeguard your PIN. Don’t lose it or share it with others, even if you have someone else fill out your FAFSA for you. The PIN has other uses than singing the application electronically. These are listed under the section PIN Uses.

Besides being used to sign electronically a FAFSA, the PIN has many other uses. The following are some other U.S. Department of Education web sites where you can use your PIN:
 

http://www.fafsa.ed.gov

• View your Student Aid Report (SAR) after your FAFSA has been processed.

• Make corrections to your FAFSA.

• Print a copy of your SAR.

• Reapply for financial aid in the future.
   

www.loanconsolidation.ed.gov (Online Loan Consolidation)

• Get information about consolidating your federal student loans.
   

www.nslds.ed.gov (National Student Loan Data System)

• View information about federal loans and grants you have received.
   

www.InternationalScholarships.com

• provides students with a vital resource in their search for international financial aid.
   

www.InternationalStudentLoan.com

• provides online access to information, advice, and help to international students all around the world.