In order to receive state and federal financial aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application will determine a student's need for financial aid. The application asks for a student's personal, academic and financial information as well as financial information on his parents. Students submit the FAFSA to the United States Department of Education to receive federal financial aid. The Department of Education forwards the application to specific schools and state departments of education. Each state has different deadlines for submission of the application, which are either on or after March 1.
Students who receive state and federal loans and grants must have demonstrated financial need. When a student submits the FAFSA, his estimated financial contribution (EFC) to his tuition costs is calculated based on his and his parents financial information. Depending on the amount of his EFC, a student receives varying amounts of financial aid.
The FAFSA requires a male student to enter his Selective Service registration number. In order to receive this number, male students between the ages of 18 and 25 must register for the Selective Service. This makes his eligible for a military draft during a national emergency. Male students who do not register cannot receive federal financial aid.
Students wishing to apply for any type of financial aid must be United States citizens or eligible non-citizens. Eligible non-citizens include students who are permanent residents, refugees or victims of human trafficking.