Enroll in an online college approved for federal student aid---or be accepted for enrollment to an online college approved for federal student aid---and attend (or plan to attend) at least half-time.
Get a Federal Student Aid PIN number at www.pin.ed.gov. This number will allow you to apply for federal student aid online, which is the most convenient way to apply for federal aid when attending an online college.
Complete and turn in a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form---available online from the Department of Education (www.fafsa.ed.gov) or through your school's financial aid office---will determine your financial need by measuring the income levels of you and your family (if you are a dependent). Sign this form with your PIN number.
Review your Student Aid Report (SAR). The SAR is sent to you from the Department of Education after your FAFSA form has been evaluated, and tells you which federal student loans and grants you're eligible to receive. Those who demonstrate a financial need will be eligible for subsidized financial aid, including Stafford Loans, Perkins Loans and Pell Grants. Those who do not demonstrate a financial need will be eligible for unsubsidized options, including Stafford Loans and PLUS Loans.
Contact your school's financial aid office and review the SAR with a financial aid counselor. If you're eligible to receive federal student loans and grants based on a financial need, the financial aid counselor will let you know exactly what you're eligible to receive and how the federal funds will be disbursed (either directly to the school or directly to you).
Set up your payment options if you are receiving federal student loans. Your college financial aid counselor can help you with this if necessary.
Consider consolidating your federal student loans if you are receiving multiple federal loans. Doing this can help you keep track of your loans and make paying them off easier by bundling all of your federal loans into one, consolidated loan.