FAFSA Guide

FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid and it is an important first step to the financial aid process. Filling out the FAFSA application is your path to thousands of dollars in financial aid to help you pay for college. The form determines your eligibility for financial aid rewards such as such as grants, work-study, and loans. It is also used to award state aid. Read the helpful guide below to keep you organized and avoid common FAFSA mistakes.

The FAFSA form is available on October 1 for the next school year. We encourage you to fill it out as soon as possible on or after October 1. However, the FAFSA for 2024-25 will not be available until December 2023. The process may take up to eight weeks. You will need Western Iowa Tech's Federal School Code: 004590. Select the 2023-24 FAFSA Form if you will be attending college starting the fall of 2023.

Start Your FAFSA Application

Your Guide to the FAFSA

FAFSA Deadlines

Federal

2023-24 Academic Year

FAFSA forms must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Central time (CT) on June 30, 2024. Any corrections or updates must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on Sept. 10, 2024. The FAFSA for 2024-25 will not be available until December 2023.

Iowa

2023-24 Academic Year

July 1, 2023, by midnight CT. Earlier priority deadlines may exist for certain programs. Additional forms may be required.

What You Need Before You Start

You will need the following documents ready to go before you start your FAFSA application. Keep these records handy in case you need them again.

Create a FSA ID

Your first step is creating an FSA ID, a username and password to create an account. We recommend creating an FSA ID ahead of time to cut down on errors and delays. If you’re a dependent student, a parent will also need a unique FSA ID.

Questions Asked in the FAFSA

The FAFSA will ask you a series of questions that determine your eligibility for federal student aid. Here is a list of helpful hints to assist you during the application process.

Sign and Submit

To complete the FAFSA, you (and your parent if you are a dependent) have to sign it. The easiest way to sign the FAFSA form is online with your FAFSA ID. After clicking “submit” don’t leave yet! Complete the “Iowa Common Application” in order to access grants and scholarships available through the state of Iowa.

Complete Your Aid

Congratulations! You have submitted your FAFSA application, and completed your first step in securing financial aid. Find out what your next step is in the financial aid process.