Maximum Number of Schools You Can List


You can list up to 10 schools online or in the myStudentAid app or up to four schools on a PDF FAFSA form. You can add more schools to your FAFSA form later.


Order of Schools on Your List


For purposes of federal student aid , it does not matter in what order you list the schools. However , to be considered for state aid , some states require your schools to be listed in a specified order. Scroll down or click on the name of your state below to find your state s guidance for listing schools on your FAFSA form.


Alabama


The order in which you list the colleges will not impact your eligibility for state aid programs.


Alaska


You must list an eligible in - state college to be considered for state grant aid. The order in which you list the colleges will not impact your eligibility for state aid programs.


Arizona


Arkansas


California


Colorado


Connecticut


You must list a college located in Connecticut within the first 2 positions to be considered for state aid. If you update your school choices later , please notify your state agency by sending an email to sfa@ctohe.org.


Delaware


District of Columbia


Florida


Georgia


Hawaii


You must list an eligible Hawaii public college to be considered for state grant aid. The order in which you list the colleges will not impact the results.


Idaho


Illinois


You must list at least one eligible Illinois college in order for preliminary eligibility for state grant aid to be calculated. If you update your school choice later , work with your school s financial aid office to be sure you receive any aid for which you are eligible.


Indiana


Iowa


Kansas


Kentucky


You must list an eligible in - state college to be considered for state aid. The order in which you list the colleges will not impact your eligibility for state aid programs.


Louisiana


Maine


Maryland


Massachusetts


Grant aid awards will be made for the first eligible college listed on the FAFSA form ; however , if you update your school choice later , please notify your state agency by accessing the Office of Student Financial Assistance student portal.


Michigan


You must list an eligible Michigan college to be considered for state grant aid. Initial grant awards will be made to the college listed first on your FAFSA form. If you update your school choice later , please notify your state agency by accessing the Michigan Student Scholarships and Grants student portal.


Minnesota


Mississippi


Missouri


You must list an eligible Missouri college to be considered for state grant aid. The order in which you list the colleges will not impact your eligibility for state aid programs.


Montana


Nebraska


Nevada


New Hampshire


New Jersey


New Mexico


New York


North Carolina


North Dakota


Ohio


Oklahoma


Oregon


Pennsylvania


Grant aid awards will be made for the first college listed on the FAFSA form. If you update your school choice later , please notify your state agency by signing in to your Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency Account Access to provide updated school information. Pennsylvania will make aid awards for students to attend eligible colleges in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Massachusetts, Delaware, Vermont, and the District of Columbia.


Puerto Rico


Rhode Island


South Carolina


You must list an eligible South Carolina college to be considered for state aid. Please put the colleges that you are most likely to attend in the first spots in your list. If you change your school choices later , please notify your state agency by following the instructions to transfer your grant to a new school in the What if I transfer to another college? section at https://sctuitiongrants.org/faq/.


South Dakota


Tennessee


You must list an eligible in - state college to be considered for state grant aid. The order in which you list the colleges will not impact your eligibility for state aid programs. If you update your school choices later , please notify your state agency by changing your institution in the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation Student Portal.


Texas


U.S. Virgin Islands


Utah


Vermont


To be considered for state aid , list your first - choice colleges from any state in the first 3 positions. If you update your school choices later , please notify your state agency by using the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation Student Portal.


Virginia


Washington


West Virginia


You must list an eligible West Virginia college to be considered for state grant aid. Grant awards will initially be made for your first - choice college in the first position. If you update your school choice later , please notify your state agency by contacting the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission at 304 - 558 - 4618.


Wisconsin


Wyoming


Borrowers may be eligible for forgiveness of the federal student loans used to attend a school if that school misled them or engaged in other misconduct in violation of certain laws.


This type of loan forgiveness is called borrower defense to repayment, sometimes abbreviated to borrower defense. Learn more in the sections below to see whether you may qualify.


Borrower Defense Application


who attended Corinthian Colleges Everest, Heald, and WyoTech with a first date of attendance between July 1 , 2010, and Sept. 30 , 2014, and are seeking federal student loan forgiveness through borrower defense Borrowers will complete a Corinthian - specific application. For more information about forgiveness of federal student loan used to attend Corinthian Colleges , go to the Information about Debt Relief for Corinthian Colleges Students page.


All other borrowers applying for borrower defense MUST submit their application using one of the U.S. Department of Education ED borrower defense application forms provided in the sections below. Please read the instructions provided within the application before filling out the application form. Please note that the instructions also include information for parent PLUS borrowers.


To apply for federal student loan forgiveness based on borrower defense , complete an online application form. Within the online application form , you will be required to provide your signature digitally. It is helpful to include additional documentation as part of your application by uploading additional electronic documents for example, scanned PDF documents. ED recommends you prepare the additional documentation prior to starting the application process.


If you choose to submit additional documents as part of your borrower defense application , the following types of documents are among those that may be helpful to your application : to confirm the school for which you are applying for borrower defense, your program of study, and your dates of enrollment such as transcripts, enrollment agreements, and registration documents Documentation Promotional materials from the school Emails with school officials Your school s manual or course catalog


ED and/or your federal student loan servicer s will contact you once the review of your application is complete to inform you of whether your application was successful or denied.


To apply via email or physical mail , complete a fillable PDF application form , print it , and sign it view a nonfillable HTML version of the application form. Send your completed form to the U.S. Department of Education by email to BorrowerDefense@ed.gov or by regular mail to U.S. Dept. of Education Borrower Defense to Repayment , P.O. Box 1854 , Monticello, KY 42633. If you submit your PDF application by email , you are required to upload an electronic version of your signature. You can upload a picture file of your signature for example, taken with a smart phone or digital camera. If you have additional documents that you would like to include as part of your emailed application , please include the documents with your email for example, by attaching scanned PDF documents.


ED recommends you prepare the additional documentation prior to starting the application process.


Who Qualifies for Borrower Defense to Repayment Loan Forgiveness


Under the law , you may be eligible for borrower defense to repayment forgiveness of the federal student loans that you took out to attend a school if that school misled you, or engaged in other misconduct in violation of certain state laws. Specifically , you may assert borrower defense by demonstrating that the school, through an act or omission, violated state law directly related to your federal student loan or to the educational services for which the loan was provided. You may be eligible for borrower defense regardless of whether your school closed or you are otherwise eligible for loan forgiveness under other laws.


If you are eligible to receive federal student loan forgiveness , you may be able to have all or part of your outstanding federal student loan debt forgiven , and you also may be reimbursed for amounts you have already paid on those loans.


You will only be eligible for this type of federal student loan forgiveness if your school s misleading activities or other misconduct directly relate to the loan or to the educational services for which the loan was provided. You will not be eligible for this type of forgiveness based on claims that are not directly related to your loan or the educational services provided by the school. For example , personal injury claims or claims based on allegations of harassment are not bases for a borrower defense application.


Please note that eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness is limited to federal student loans taken out for payment to the school relating to your borrower defense application. If you would like to apply for borrower defense against multiple schools that you attended and for which you took out federal student loans , you must submit separate applications for each school of attendance.


For the purposes of borrower defense discharge only , we interpret the term Direct Loan in 34 CFR 685.206 to include Direct Consolidation loans. This interpretation enables borrowers with loans eligible for Direct Loan consolidation, including Federal Family Education Loan FFEL Program loans or Federal Perkins Loans, to avail themselves of the borrower discharge process provided here by consolidating such loans into the Direct Loan Program.


Forbearance/Stopped Collections Status


Within the application , you may select to have your federal student loans placed into forbearance or stopped collections status while your application is reviewed by ED. If you choose for your loans to be placed into forbearance or stopped collections status, shortly after we receive your application , your loans will be placed in forbearance , and collections will cease on any of your loans that are in default while your application is evaluated.


NOTE: If you do not select one of the forbearance or stopped collection options within the application, your federal student loans will be placed into forbearance or stopped collection , and ED will request forbearance or stopped collection for any commercially held Federal Family Education Loan FFEL Program loans that you have currently. Interest will continue to accrue for the loans in forbearance while your application is evaluated.


More information on forbearance and stopped collections is available immediately below in the Common Questions and Answers Regarding Forbearance / Stopped Collections section.


Common Questions and Answers Regarding Forbearance/Stopped Collections Status


By completing and submitting a borrower defense application , you may have all of your federal student loans in repayment placed into forbearance status and have debt collections on any federal student loans in default stopped stopped collections status while ED reviews your application. However , please note interest will continue to accumulate on federal student loans regardless of what status they are in, including for subsidized loans. If your application for borrower defense is denied or partially approved , then when you are taken out of forbearance or stopped collections , the interest that accumulated will be added to the amount you owed when you entered forbearance or stopped collections , and the total amount you owe in the future may be higher.


NOTE : You do not have to place your loans in forbearance or stopped collections to apply for borrower defense forgiveness. If you do not select one of the forbearance or stopped collection options within the application , your ED - held Federal Student Aid loans will automatically be placed into forbearance and stopped collections , and ED will request forbearance and debt collection to stop for any commercially held FFEL Program loans that you have currently as applicable.


Please read the following question and answer Q & A section carefully before you choose whether you want the U.S. Department of Education to place your loans into forbearance or stopped collections.


What does forbearance status mean?


During any period that your federal student loans are in forbearance , you do not have to make payments on those loans , and the loans will not go into default. This will continue until the borrower defense review process of your application is completed. Your loan servicer will notify you when your federal student loan have been placed into forbearance status. Until you receive that notice , you must continue to make payments.


What does stopped collections status mean?


During any period that your loans are in default , if you choose to enter stopped collections status , collections on your loans will stop. For federal student loans that are placed into stopped collections status , the federal government or debt collection companies will stop attempting to collect on the loan, including by not withholding money from your wages or income tax refunds. This will continue until the borrower defense review process of your application is completed.


If you previously defaulted on your federal student loan and have entered a rehabilitation plan , please contact the collection agency that you have been working with to set up that plan in order to determine whether there may be any negative consequences if you choose to enter stopped collections status.


Which of my federal student loans are eligible to go into forbearance or stopped collections status?


Initially , if you choose forbearance or stopped collections status , it will affect all of your federal student loans that are owned by ED and are being serviced by your federal student loan servicer, including loans that are not eligible for borrower defense loan forgiveness, such as 1 loans taken out to attend another institution, and 2 any loans you have for which you are not asserting borrower defense. If you select forbearance and you have commercially held FFEL Program loans , ED will request forbearance on your behalf.


Can I remove some or all of my federal student loans from forbearance or stopped collections status?


If you want the forbearance or stopped collections status to apply only to those federal student loans related to your borrower defense application , you must contact your loan servicer after you hear from your loan servicer and your servicer confirms the forbearance or stopped collection status. After your loans enter forbearance or stopped collection status , if at any time you want to remove all of your federal student loans from forbearance or stopped collections , you must also contact your loan servicer.


Can I make payments on my federal student loans that are in forbearance or stopped collections?


Yes. While your federal student loans are in forbearance or stopped collections , you are not required to pay your loans. However , you are allowed to make payments on any of your loans that are in forbearance or stopped collections, including payments for accrued interest. As noted above , interest will continue to accrue on all of these loans while they are in forbearance or stopped collections.


What happens if my borrower defense application against the school is successful?


Your federal student loans related to your application may be discharged partially or completely. If you receive a partial discharge , you will be responsible for repaying any amounts that are not discharged through borrower defense including any interest that accumulated. Also , at that time , the forbearance or stopped collections period for any of your other federal student loans will end. You will be responsible for repaying those other loans, if applicable, including interest that accrued during the forbearance or stopped collections period.


What happens if my borrower defense application against the school is denied?


You will not receive a discharge of any of your federal student loans and the forbearance or stopped collections period will end for all of your loans. You will be responsible for repaying these loans, including interest that accrued during the forbearance or stopped collections period.


Q. I believe I may be a member of the class that has been certified in the case, Manriquez v. DeVos, because my borrower defense application includes a claim that is based upon job placement rate misrepresentations made by a Corinthian Colleges school. What happens with my repayment status , and what should I do if I am in the wrong repayment status?


For more information about the Manriquez v. DeVos case and the class that has been certified in that case , go to the Information About Debt Relief for Corinthian Colleges Students page, under the Information on Pending Litigation for Students at Corinthian Colleges Everest, Heald, and WyoTech Under Borrower Defense to Repayment Rule section. The Frequently Asked Questions About Manriquez v. DeVos subsection provides additional information on how forbearance and stopped collections may apply to your situation due to the pending litigation and court injunction and on what to do if you have questions about your repayment status.


The Notifications Regarding Manriquez v. DeVos Lawsuit section on this page provides information about notifications ED began emailing and mailing to borrowers on Dec. 26 , 2019.


Common Questions and Answers Regarding Borrower Defense Decision Notifications


The U.S. Department of Education ED notifies borrower defense applicants of ED s determination about borrower defense discharge eligibility. The notifications are emailed to borrowers.


If you have questions about your notification email that aren t answered below , call our borrower defense hotline : 1 - 855 - 279 - 6207. Representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time ET.


Q. I received an email saying that my borrower defense claim is approved. Is this email legitimate?


Yes. ED completed its review of your application for a borrower defense discharge of your Direct Loans under the applicable borrower defense to repayment rules and determined that your claim associated with your enrollment or your child s enrollment at the school identified in that notification email is approved.


Your borrower defense application was evaluated based on the applicable state law and the circumstances identified in your notification email.


Your notification email identified the percentage of the total amount of the Direct Loans you took out to pay for your program that will be discharged. You should receive notification of your discharge from your federal loan servicer within 90 120 days after you received your notification email.


As explained in the What happens next? section of your email notification , wait to receive notification of your discharge from your federal loan servicer.


Does the borrower defense discharge apply to all loans I took out to pay for my program?


No. This borrower defense discharge applies only to your Direct Loans. This borrower defense discharge does not apply to private student loans or other loans you may have received from programs administered by federal or state agencies, including other programs administered by ED.


ED will proceed with the applicable discharge of your Direct Loans. If some of your federal student loans are Federal Family Education Loan FFEL Program loans and/or Federal Perkins Loan Program loans , they are not eligible for discharge under the Borrower Defense to Repayment law or regulations.


If you want to have your borrower defense discharge apply to your FFEL and/or Federal Perkins loans , you can consolidate your loans into a Direct Consolidation Loan and obtain the discharge. To apply for a Direct Consolidation Loan , go to StudentAid.gov/app/launchConsolidation.action. Once you have your Direct Consolidation Loan , contact our borrower defense hotline at 1 - 855 - 279 - 6207 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET on Monday through Friday to proceed with discharge.


How did ED determine my discharge percentage?


For approved borrower discharge claims , ED calculated the amount of borrower defense discharge relief by comparing the earnings of those who completed the same or a similar program at a borrower s school median program earnings to the earnings of those who completed the same or a similar program at other schools median comparison earnings.


Specifically , ED used a statistical tool called standard deviation to identify the range of program earnings that would qualify for loan relief, and then divided that range into quartiles to determine the amount of relief a borrower would be provided. If your program earnings exceeded the comparison earnings , then , even if you filed an approved claim , you will not receive a discharge unless your approved application is associated with Corinthian Colleges, Inc. CCI. If your approved application is associated with CCI , you will receive at least a 10% discharge. The larger the negative gap between your program earnings and comparison earnings , the greater the amount of loan discharge you received.


The Borrower Defense Partial Relief Methodology tables used by ED to determine relief percentages are provided for your reference. When viewing the earnings charts , note the following : No Data Available appears when there was no data available to complete a calculation. The wording under Program Name may not match exactly to the program name used by your school. There can be slight wording differences in the program name used by the school and the program name shown in the earnings chart. The word Diploma under the Credential column , means the same as Certificate Program, which is often used by schools.


Will prior payments be refunded after my discharge is applied?


A time limitation applies on receiving a refund of payments made on your federal student loans when a borrower defense claim is approved. We will inform your loan servicer whether you filed your borrower defense to repayment application within the applicable number of years of separating from leaving your school.


One of two things will happen. If you filed your application within the applicable limitation period and your loan payments exceed the amount owed after your discharge is applied , you will be eligible for a refund of payments. Your loan servicer will apply the borrower defense discharge to your student loan account and then determine whether you still have an outstanding amount balance due on any Direct Loans. If a balance remains on your account after your discharge is applied , your servicer will apply any prior payments made on the discharged loans first to the remaining balance of your discharged loans and then to the balance of other Direct Loans on your account. If no balance remains on your account , your servicer will return the refund amount to you. If you filed your application outside the applicable limitation period or your loan payments are less than the amount owed after your discharge is applied , you will not be eligible for a refund of payments. Your loan servicer will not apply any prior payments made on the discharged loans or return any refund amount to you.


Your loan servicer will let you know if you are eligible or ineligible for a refund of payments.


Will interest be waived in addition to my discharge?


For borrower defense applications received by ED on or before Jan. 1 , 2020 , ED will waive interest on the federal student loans that it holds for the period between the date you submitted your borrower defense application and the date of your notification email. ED is waiving interest in these cases because of the extended period of time it took to review claims.


Your federal loan servicer will let you know what your remaining balance is after the interest waiver has been applied.


Note: If you receive a 100% discharge , you do not receive a separate interest waiver because your entire loan balance, including any interest, is discharged.


Q. I m a CCI borrower and received an email saying that my borrower defense claim is ineligible for relief. Is this email legitimate?


Yes. ED completed its review of your application under the applicable Borrower Defense to Repayment regulations for discharge of your Direct Loans made in connection with your or your child s enrollment at a school operated by CCI, including Everest Institute, Everest College, Everest University, Heald College, and WyoTech. ED has determined that your application is ineligible for relief based on review of the facts of your claim and the regulatory criteria for relief ; this decision means that your Direct Loans will not be discharged.


ED s reasons for this determination are as follows :


Applicable Law


For Direct Loans first disbursed prior to July 1 , 2017 , a borrower may be eligible for a discharge forgiveness of part or all of one or more Direct Loans if the borrower s school engaged in acts or omissions that would give rise to a cause of action against the school under applicable state law. See 455 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended , 20 U.S.C. 1087e , and 34 CFR 685.206 and 685.222 the Borrower Defense regulations. ED recognizes a borrower s defense to repayment of a Direct Loan only if the cause of action directly relates to the Direct Loan or to the school s provision of educational services for which the Direct Loan was provided. 34 CFR 685.206 , 685.222 ; U.S. Department of Education, Notice of Interpretation , 60 Fed. Reg. 37,769 July 21 , 1995.


Borrower Defense Claims Based on CCI Job Placement Rates


ED has determined that students who first enrolled in certain programs at certain schools operated by CCI between 2010 and 2014 have borrower defense claims arising from the publication of misleading job placement rates for many of their programs of study and are eligible for a discharge of part or all of their loans under ED s Borrower Defense regulation. Lists of covered programs and time periods are available for Everest / WyoTech and Heald the covered programs.


In order to have a successful borrower defense claim based on ED s CCI findings , you must have enrolled in one of the covered programs during a listed time period. ED has established a process for the review of borrower defense to repayment claims for job placement rates asserted by borrowers enrolled in the covered programs at CCI schools during the eligibility period. Each CCI borrower s application is reviewed under the same process to determine whether the borrower qualifies for borrower defense to payment relief based on a CCI school job placement rate claim.


Why was my CCI application determined to be ineligible?


A. ED reviewed your application regarding the campuses you attended, the programs in which you enrolled, and the dates that you enrolled. ED also reviewed data from the National Student Loan Data System NSLDS database and, if available, school - provided data regarding your programs and enrollment dates, in addition to the enrollment information on any official school documents that you provided with your application. You includes your child if you are a Direct PLUS Loan borrower who requested a discharge for loans taken out to pay for a child s enrollment at a CCI - operated institution.


Based on that review , ED has determined that you did not enroll in a covered program at a CCI school during the eligibility period. Either a the initial enrollment dates or programs you provided in your application fell outside the eligibility period for a covered program at one or more of the CCI campuses or b both NSLDS data and the school s data demonstrated that you were not enrolled in a covered program at one or more of the CCI schools during the eligibility period.


Moreover , your borrower defense application did not describe any other act or omission by the CCI schools that related to the making of your Direct Loans for enrollment or the provision of educational services for which the Direct Loan was made and that would be actionable under state law. Accordingly , ED has determined that your borrower defense to repayment application is ineligible and will not discharge your Direct Loans.


Your borrower defense application was evaluated based on California state law and the circumstances identified in your notification email.


As explained in the What should I do now? section of your email notification , wait to receive notification from your federal loan servicer.


If you disagree with this decision , you can ask ED to reconsider your borrower defense application.


Q. I m a non - CCI borrower and received an email saying that my borrower defense claim is ineligible for relief. Is this email legitimate?


Yes. ED completed its review of your application under the applicable Borrower Defense to Repayment regulations for discharge of your Direct Loans made in connection with your or your child s enrollment at the school identified in that notification email. ED has determined that your application is ineligible for relief based on review of the facts of your claim and the regulatory criteria for relief ; this decision means that your Direct Loans will not be discharged.


Why was my non - CCI application determined to be ineligible?


A. ED reviewed your borrower defense claim based on any evidence submitted by you in support of your application, your loan data from the NSLDS database, as well as evidence gathered from the sources identified in your notification email. Each allegation of misconduct you claimed is identified in your email along with the reason that claim failed.


If you disagree with the percentage discharge determined under the formula or with other parts of this decision , you can ask ED to reconsider your borrower defense application.


Q. I received more than one notification email about my borrower defense claim. Should this have happened?


There are two circumstances that would result in your receipt of more than one notification email. If you have two email addresses associated with your borrower defense application , ED sent a notification email to both addresses. If you have a borrower defense application that was approved and a different borrower defense application that was determined to be ineligible , ED sent you a notification email specific to each application.


To check the notification emails you received , contact our borrower defense hotline at 1 - 855 - 279 - 6207 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET on Monday through Friday.


What if I don t agree with the decision made regarding my borrower defense claim?


If you disagree with ED s decision , you can ask ED to reconsider your borrower defense application. You can do so in one of two ways : Mail your request to U.S. Department of Education, P.O. Box 1854 , Monticello, KY 42633.


Send a new email with the subject line Request for Reconsideration to BorrowerDefense@ed.gov. Include the number that appears with the words Request for Reconsideration in the What if I don t agree with this decision? section of your notification email.


In your request for reconsideration , provide the following information : What you think was decided incorrectly Why you believe the decision was incorrect that you believe establishes that you are eligible for a different decision Any evidence


We will not accept any request for reconsideration that includes new allegations of misconduct by your school. If you include new allegations of misconduct by your school in your reconsideration request , the request will be rejected. You must file a new application regarding acts or omissions by your school other than those described in the borrower defense application identified in your notification email, by submitting an application. In the new application , you should explain in the relevant sections the basis for any new borrower defense claims and submit all supporting evidence.


ED will not place your federal student loans into forbearance or stopped collection activity when you file a request for reconsideration. In addition , if your borrower defense claim was approved , ED will not begin its review of your request for reconsideration until your federal loan servicer notifies you that the discharge has been completed.


For more information about reconsideration , contact our borrower defense hotline at 1 - 855 - 279 - 6207 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET on Monday through Friday.


Can I apply for borrower defense if I have additional allegations?


Yes. If you wish to file a new application regarding acts or omissions by your school other than those described in the borrower defense application identified in your notification email , submit an application. In the new application , you should explain in the relevant sections the basis for any new borrower defense claims and submit all supporting evidence.


What should I know about repayment?


A. ED offers a variety of loan repayment options, including standard, graduated, and extended repayment plans, which base your payment on your loan balance and interest rate, as well as income driven repayment plans, which base your payment on your income. Remember , that while you can choose a repayment plan that lowers your monthly payment amount, it may also increase the amount of interest you pay over time which sometimes is significantly more. For more information about student loan repayment options , visit StudentAid.gov/plans.


If you don t begin or resume repayment when required , your loans may be placed into default. Defaulting on your loans subjects you to collection activity that includes administrative wage garnishment taking money out of your pay ; you may be owed offset of state and federal payments taking money owed to you by the government ; and litigation taking legal action against you.


Borrower Defense Discharge Earnings Information


The U.S. Department of Education ED notifies borrower defense applicants about its review of their claims for discharge. Some claims are approved for discharge and other claims are determined to be ineligible for discharge. For approved borrower discharge claims , ED calculates the amount of borrower defense discharge relief by comparing the earnings of those who completed the same or a similar program at a borrower s school median program earnings to the earnings of those who completed the same or a similar program at other schools median comparison earnings.


Specifically , ED uses a statistical tool called standard deviation to identify the range of program earnings that would qualify for loan relief, and then divides that range into quartiles to determine the amount of relief a borrower would be provided. If your program earnings exceed the comparison earnings , then , even if you filed an approved claim , you will not receive a discharge unless your approved application is associated with Corinthian Colleges, Inc. CCI. If your approved application is associated with CCI , you will receive at least a 10% discharge. The larger the negative gap between your program earnings and comparison earnings , the greater the amount of loan discharge you receive.


Corinthian Colleges , Inc. CCI Programs


ITT Educational Services , Inc. Programs


Notifications Regarding Sweet v. DeVos Lawsuit


In June and early July 2020 , the U.S. Department of Education ED will email and mail notifications about the Sweet v. DeVos lawsuit to borrower defense applicants who are potential members of the group of borrowers to whom the lawsuit applies to inform them that there is a proposed settlement of the lawsuit. The settlement will not become final until it is approved by the court as fair, adequate, and reasonable. The notification describes how borrowers legal rights may be affected by the settlement.


ED will send borrowers two notifications one by email and one by mail. The email notifications will be sent to borrowers from the email address noreply@studentaid.gov. The mailed notifications will be sent to borrowers in an envelope marked with Federal Student Aid s return address.


If you have questions about notifications you receive that aren t answered below , there s more information about the Sweet v. DeVos lawsuit on Class Counsel s website at predatorystudentlending.org/sweet-v-devos-class-members/.


Q. I received an email from noreply@studentaid.gov and/or a letter saying that I may be part of a group of borrowers under a lawsuit called Sweet v. DeVos. Are these communications legitimate?


Yes. The case Sweet v. DeVos , No. 19-cv-3674 (N.D. Cal. ), is a lawsuit that was filed in a federal court in California by seven borrower defense applicants who represent, with certain exceptions, all borrowers with pending borrower defense applications as of April 7, 2020. The lawsuit challenges the fact that ED did not issue a final decision on any borrower defense applications from any school between June 2018 and December 2019.


The lawsuit is ONLY about the fact that final decisions were not issued during that period of time, NOT whether those applications should result in loan cancellation or not. Now , both parties are proposing to settle this lawsuit. This proposed settlement is a compromise of disputed claims , and ED continues to deny that it has acted unlawfully.


Who is included in the group of people the class represented by Sweet v. DeVos?


The case Sweet v. DeVos includes all people who borrowed a Direct Loan or FFEL loan to pay for a program of higher education, who have asserted a borrower defense to repayment to the U.S. Department of Education, whose borrower defense has not been granted or denied on the merits, and who is not a class member in Manriquez v. DeVos, No. 17-cv-7210 (N.D. Cal.


What are the terms of the proposed settlement?


In the proposed settlement , ED agrees to resolve pending borrower defense applications of people who have borrower defense applications pending as of April 7 , 2020, on the following terms : ED will approve or deny all Sweet class members pending borrower defense applications within 18 months of when the settlement agreement is approved by the court. ED will notify you of whether your claim was approved, whether you will receive any loan cancellation, and if so, how much loan cancellation you will receive. If your application is approved and you are entitled to any loan discharge , ED will complete the process of canceling some or all of your outstanding loan debt within 21 months of the date on which the settlement agreement is approved by the court. ED will provide your lawyers with information about its progress making borrower defense decisions every three months, including how many decisions ED has made, how many borrowers have received a loan discharge, and any new borrower defense findings ED has made. ED confirms, consistent with governing law and existing policies, that if you are in default, it will not take action to collect your debt, such as by garnishing your wages that is, taking part of your paycheck or taking portions of your tax refund, while your application is pending.


A copy of the proposed settlement is available online at predatorystudentlending.org/cases/sweet-v-devos.


What will happen next?


The court will need to approve the proposed settlement before it becomes final. The court will hold a public hearing, called a fairness hearing, to decide if the proposed settlement is fair. The hearing will be held on Oct. 1 , 2020, beginning at 8 a.m. Pacific time at the following address :


United States District Court Northern District of California 450 Golden Gate Avenue , Courtroom 12 , 19th Floor San Francisco, CA 94102


What should I do in response to this notice?


IF YOU AGREE with the proposed settlement , you do not have to do anything. You have the right to attend the fairness hearing, at the time and place above, but you are not required to do so.


IF YOU DISAGREE WITH OR HAVE COMMENTS on the proposed settlement , you can write to the court or ask to speak at the hearing. You must do this by writing to the Clerk of the Court, at the following mailing address :


Clerk of the Court United States District Court Northern District of California 450 Golden Gate Avenue San Francisco , CA 94102


Your written comments or request to speak at the fairness hearing must be postmarked by Aug. 20 , 2020. The Clerk of the Court will provide copies of the written comments to the lawyers who brought the lawsuit.


Who are the lawyers for the Sweet v. DeVos class and how can I contact them?


The class is represented by the Legal Services Center at Harvard Law School and Housing & Economic Rights Advocates. If you have questions about this lawsuit or about the proposed settlement , please visit their Frequently Asked Questions page at predatorystudentlending.org/sweet-v-devos-class-members/, which also has contact information for the lawyers who brought the lawsuit.


Notifications Regarding Manriquez v. DeVos Lawsuit


Beginning Dec. 26 , 2019 , the U.S. Department of Education ED will email notifications about the Manriquez v. DeVos lawsuit to borrower defense applicants who are potential members of the group of borrowers to whom the lawsuit applies. The email notifications will be sent to borrowers from the email address noreply@studentaid.gov. For borrowers without a good email address , ED will mail notifications. The mailed notifications will be sent to borrowers in an envelope marked with Federal Student Aid s return address. Each borrower will receive either an emailed notification or a mailed notification.


If you have questions about notifications you receive that aren t answered below , there s more information about the Manriquez v. DeVos lawsuit on Class Counsel s website at harvardlaw.github.io/ppsl_dropdown/index.


You can contact the lawyers representing the covered class in the Manriquez v. DeVos lawsuit by emailing CMclass@law.harvard.edu or calling 617 - 390 - 2612.


Q. I received an email from noreply@studentaid.gov saying that I may be part of a group of borrowers protected under a lawsuit called Manriquez v. DeVos. Is this email legitimate?


Yes. You may be part of a group referred to as a class that is protected in certain ways because of a lawsuit called Manriquez v. DeVos.


The U.S. Department of Education ED contacted you to make sure you know how to determine if you are part of the class , what protections you have , that ED made mistakes recently that may have applied to you , what ED has done to fix the mistakes , and where to find more information about the lawsuit and your federal student loans.


ED contacted you because its records show that you borrowed one or more Direct Loans to attend or for your child to attend Heald College, Everest Institute, or WyoTech, operated by Corinthian Colleges, Inc.


ED s records also show that you asked to cancel some or all of your federal student loan debt because the school you attended or that your child attended did something wrong. This is known as a borrower defense application.


The intent of the email was to inform you generally about the lawsuit and give you contact information for obtaining additional information if needed.


How do I find out if I m part of the group / class and get more information?


To determine if you re a member of the class in the Manriquez v. DeVos lawsuit , visit the website set up by the class lawyers.


ED will still review and decide your borrower defense even if you are not a member of the class.


What protections does the class get?


A June 2018 court order in the lawsuit stops ED from collecting federal student loan payments from members of the class until the lawsuit is over. Since June 2018 , class members have not been required to make any payments on their loans related to Everest, Heald, or WyoTech.


Loans that were not in default as of June 2018 should be placed into something called forbearance or another appropriate repayment status, such as an income - driven repayment plan that requires a payment of zero dollars or in - school deferment status. These statuses mean no payments are required , and your loans cannot go into default.


Loans that were in default as of June 2018 should be placed in what is known as a stopped collections status. This status means ED must stop collecting money from you, such as by taking part of your paycheck or tax refund.


What mistakes have been made?


Many people in the class did not receive these protections. Specifically , since June 2018 , that work for ED mistakenly ED and companies sent bills to students and parents for money they were not required to pay , collected money from students and parents that they were not required to pay , reduced tax refunds or paychecks from students and parents , and made negative reports to credit reporting agencies.


ED sincerely regrets these mistakes.


What has ED done to fix its errors?


A. ED has confirmed that potential class members are in the correct repayment status.


ED is working with the Department of the Treasury to make sure that other payments that should not have been made, or that you would not have made otherwise, are given back.


ED has also worked to fix any bad credit reporting that came from its mistakes.


ED will work harder to make sure further mistakes do not happen. ED will review accounts of all potential people in the class to make sure there are no additional problems.


Information and Resources for Help


If you have questions about borrower defense , you may call our borrower defense hotline : 1 - 855 - 279 - 6207. Representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time.


You know you have to fill out the FreeApplication for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, but maybe you re not sure what to do.


Let s review what to expect.


Filling out the FAFSA form can be a straightforward and easy process. Select the Fill Out the FAFSA button on the home page, and just follow the directions on the screen. Below are some tips to help you along the way.


Ready to fill out your FAFSA form now? Go for it!


Fill Out the FAFSA


Prefer a mobile app? The 2020 21 and 2019 20 FAFSA forms are on the myStudentAid app, available on the App Store iOS or on Google Play Android.


FAFSA Topics


Try This Resource The FAFSA Process graphic Walks through the process of preparing for, completing, and submitting a FAFSA form. Includes info on what happens after the form is submitted.


Creating an FSA ID


We strongly recommend you create an FSA ID, a username and password combination that allows you to sign your FAFSA form electronically. Your FSA ID also can be used to access the myStudentAid app, sign loan contracts, and access certain information online. While you can get your FSA ID as you re completing the FAFSA form online, getting it ahead of time and using it to begin your FAFSA form on fafsa.gov or on the myStudentAid mobile app cuts down on errors and delays. Find out how to get an FSA ID and what to do if you forgot your FSA ID.


Important note: If you re a dependent student , one of your parents whose information is reported on the FAFSA form will also need an FSA ID so that he or she can sign your application electronically. If your parent doesn t have a Social Security number SSN , your parent won t be able to create an FSA ID which requires an SSN. This means you ll have to select the option to print a signature page when you get to the end of your FAFSA form on fafsa.gov this option isn t available in the myStudentAid app.


Creating your FSA ID before you begin the FAFSA form only takes a few minutes and could prevent processing delays. Plus, you can t use the myStudentAid mobile app at all without an FSA ID, so you ll need to create it before filling out the FAFSA form on the app.


Tip : Use your FSA ID to start your FAFSA form. When you create your FSA ID , be careful to enter your name and Social Security number exactly as they appear on your Social Security card. Then , if you go to fafsa.gov to start your application and indicate that you are the student , you will be given the option to enter your FSA ID or to enter your identifiers your name, date of birth, and SSN.


If you log in with your FSA ID , certain information including your name, Social Security number, and date of birth will be automatically loaded into your application. This will prevent you from running into a common error that occurs when your verified FSA ID information doesn t match the information on your FAFSA form. Additionally , you won t have to provide your FSA ID again to sign your FAFSA form electronically or to use the Internal Revenue Service Data Retrieval Tool IRS DRT if you re eligible.


The student is the one applying for financial aid, so be sure it s the student entering his or her FSA ID in the I am the student tab. Do not start the FAFSA form by supplying the parent s FSA ID.


Gathering the Documents Needed to Apply


The FAFSA questions ask for information about you your name, date of birth, address, etc. and about your financial situation. Depending on your circumstances for instance, whether you re a U.S. citizen or what tax form you used , you might need the following information or documents as you fill out the application : Your Social Security number it s important that you enter it correctly on the FAFSA form! if you are a dependent student Your parents Social Security numbers if you have one Your driver s license number if you are not a U.S. citizen Your Alien Registration number Federal tax information or tax returns including IRS W-2 information, for you and your spouse, if you are married, and for your parents if you are a dependent student : IRS 1040 Foreign tax return, IRS 1040NR, or IRS 1040NR - EZ Tax return for Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, or Palau Records of your untaxed income , such as child support received , interest income , and veterans noneducation benefits , for you , if you are a dependent student and for your parents Information on cash; savings and checking account balances; investments, including stocks and bonds and real estate but not including the home in which you live; and business and farm assets for you, and for your parents if you are a dependent student


Keep these records! You may need them again. Do not mail your records to us.


Try This Resource 2020 21 FAFSA on the Web Worksheet Provides a preview of the questions students and parents may be asked while completing the FAFSA form.


Getting Help


If you need help filling out the FAFSA form , use these free tools : Select the blue and white question mark icon next to a FAFSA question to view a " tool tip " that provides information about how to answer that question. In the online FAFSA form , the tool tip may have a More Help link for additional information. You also can select the Help button at the bottom of the tool tip to reach the FAFSA Help page, where you can browse FAQs, search for more information, or click on Contact Us. Once you click on Contact Us , you ll have the option of emailing us with your question or, during business hours, chatting in English or Spanish with live technical support staff. In the myStudentAid mobile app, you can find the contact information via the hamburger menu the three parallel lines at the top right of the screen. Contact the financial aid office at the college or career school you plan to attend.


Starting Your FAFSA Form and Providing Your Basic Personal Information


The FAFSA form is available on Oct. 1 for the next school year. We encourage you to fill it out as soon as possible on or after Oct. 1 to meet FAFSA deadlines.


FAFSA Filing Options You may choose any of these methods to file a FAFSA form : Log in at fafsa.gov to apply online or Fill out the form in the myStudentAid mobile app, available on the App Store iOS or Google Play Android or Complete a 2020 - 21 FAFSA PDF or a 2019 20 FAFSA PDF note: you must print out and mail the FAFSA PDF for processing or Request a print - out of the FAFSA PDF by calling us at 1 - 800 - 4-FED - AID 1 - 800 - 433 - 3243 or 334 - 523 - 2691 TTY for the deaf or hard of hearing 1 - 800 - 730 - 8913 ; then fill out the form and mail it for processing


If you are starting the application for the first time on fafsa.gov , select START HERE. As you begin , keep the following in mind : Your name and Social Security number must match those on your Social Security card. Follow this tip to avoid getting a notice that your information doesn t match the Social Security Administration s records or your FSA ID account. If you re concerned about providing your personal information on the log - in page , choose the virtual keyboard option for additional security. To ensure the application functions properly , make sure the pop - up blocker in your browser allows pop - ups from fafsa.ed.gov. Learn how to enable pop - ups in your browser.


If you re starting for the first time on the myStudentAid mobile app , you will select START HERE and then be required to enter your FSA ID. You cannot fill out the FAFSA form on the mobile app without an FSA ID.


If you re a male between the ages of 18 and 25 and you haven t registered with the Selective Service System , select Yes when you re asked if you would like to be registered. Otherwise , you won t be eligible to receive federal student aid. This requirement applies to any person assigned the sex of male at birth.


The following tips apply whether you re filling out the form online or on the mobile app : Near the beginning of the application , you ll create a save key, a temporary password that you ll use if you start your FAFSA form, save it without finishing it, then want to open it again later to finish it. One benefit of the save key is that students and parents can use this function to access the FAFSA form if they are completing the FAFSA in separate locations. Unlike with the FSA ID, which needs to be kept private, it s okay to tell your parent what your save key is. If you are applying for a summer session , contact the financial aid office at your college to find out which school year you should select when you complete your FAFSA form.


If you filled out a FAFSA form last year and want to renew it , select LOG IN on the FAFSA home page , select I am the student , enter your FSA ID , and be sure to select FAFSA RENEWAL once given the option. That way , many of the nonfinancial questions will be prefilled for you. Just be sure to update any information that has changed since last year.


Only the student can start a FAFSA renewal using his or her FSA ID. If you re a dependent student and your parent helps you with your FAFSA form , you should start the FAFSA renewal, save it, and give the save key to your parent so he or she can access your FAFSA form.


If you re using the mobile app and log in as the student and are eligible for a FAFSA renewal , the renewal will automatically appear for you.


Due to the coronavirus national emergency , processing of the FAFSA PDF may take longer than usual. We recommend filing your FAFSA form electronically to avoid processing delays.


Listing Colleges and/or Career Schools


While completing the FAFSA form , you must list at least one school to receive your information. The schools you list will use your FAFSA information to determine the types and amounts of aid you may receive. Use the Federal School Code Search to find the colleges you re interested in including on your FAFSA form.


For purposes of federal student aid , it does not matter in what order you list the schools. However , to be considered for state aid , some states require you to list schools in a particular order for instance, you might need to list a state school first. Find out whether your state has a requirement for the order in which you list schools on your FAFSA form


You can list up to 10 schools online or in the mobile app or up to four schools on a FAFSA PDF. You can add more schools to your FAFSA form later. Schools you list on the application will automatically receive your FAFSA results electronically.


Note : Schools will not be able to see which other schools you listed on your FAFSA form.


You should add any school that you plan on applying to, even if you haven t been accepted yet. In most cases , once a school accepts you , they will then work on developing your aid offer.


Determining Your Dependency Status


The FAFSA form asks a series of questions that determine whether you are a dependent or independent student for purposes of applying for federal student aid. If you are a dependent student , you must report parent information, as well as your own information, on your application. If you re curious , you can find out now whether you re a dependent student.


Reporting Parents Information


If you re a dependent student , you ll need to report parent information on your FAFSA form. Visit our page on reporting parent information to find out who counts as your parent, what to do if you don t live with your parents, and what to do if you don t have access to your parents financial information.


Providing Financial Information


The FAFSA form asks for financial information, including information from tax forms and balances of savings and checking accounts. The 2020 21 FAFSA form asks for 2018 tax information. If you re filling out the 2019 20 FAFSA form , you ll need your 2017 tax information.


Note: If your family s financial situation has changed dramatically since you and/or your parents filed taxes , complete the FAFSA questions as required, submit the FAFSA form , then contact the school you plan to attend and discuss your situation with the financial aid office.


What to Do If Your Parents (or Your) Marital Status Has Changed Since Taxes Were Filed


Here are some tips for this type of situation using the example of the 2020 21 FAFSA form : The FAFSA form asks for marital status as of today the day it s filled out. So if the student or parent is married now but wasn t in 2018 and therefore didn t file taxes as married , the spouse s 2018 income will need to be added to the FAFSA form. Similarly , if the student or parent filed 2018 taxes as married but is no longer married when filling out the FAFSA form , the spouse s income will need to be subtracted. And if the student or parent was married when filing 2018 taxes, then got divorced and is now married to someone else , there s a bit more math to do: Subtract the ex s income, then add the new spouse s income.


The FAFSA help text covers all these situations in more detail as you re filling out the application.


Automatically Transferring Your Tax Information Using the Internal Revenue Service Data Retrieval Tool (IRS DRT)


The IRS DRT automatically transfers tax information into the FAFSA form. Be sure to consider this option if it s offered to you. If you got an extension on filing your taxes and didn t file until September or October, find out when your tax return information will likely be available using the IRS DRT.


Try This Resource Simple Steps to Transfer Tax Information Into Your FAFSA Form graphic Explains how to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to transfer tax information into the FAFSA form.


Here s how the IRS DRT process works , assuming your tax information is available : The IRS DRT takes you to the IRS website, where you ll need to provide your name and other information exactly as you provided it on your tax return. Some information will be prepopulated from your FAFSA form. At the IRS site , you ll see a page that indicates that your tax information is available. For security and privacy protections, you won t see the actual information. You can choose to import your information into the FAFSA form , or you can cancel your request and return to the FAFSA site. If you choose to import your information into the FAFSA form , you ll find that on the FAFSA site, instead of your tax information being displayed, you ll see Transferred from the IRS " in the appropriate fields. You won t be able to make changes to those answers.


Using the IRS DRT saves you time and effort : You don t have to find your tax records. You don t have to worry about making mistakes entering your tax information on your FAFSA form. You may not need to provide an IRS tax transcript or a signed copy of your income tax return if you re selected for verification.


Can I change the tax return information that I transfer into the FAFSA form via the IRS DRT?


No. Information you transfer via the IRS DRT can t be changed. Remember, the information transferred is coming from your filed tax return , so it shouldn t need to be changed. If your financial situation has changed or you filed a 1040X amended return , contact your school s financial aid office to discuss whether it would be appropriate for the school to adjust the information on your FAFSA form.


If I ve transferred my tax return information into the FAFSA form via the IRS DRT, and then decide I want to enter the information manually instead, can I clear the information that was transferred via the DRT?


We strongly discourage clearing the information. The IRS DRT remains the fastest, most accurate way to input your tax return information into the FAFSA form. Additionally , using the IRS DRT to enter your tax information into the FAFSA form may reduce the amount of paperwork you need to provide to your school later.


If , despite this , you still want to clear the information transferred via the IRS DRT and enter your tax information manually and you haven t submitted the application or correction yet you can select the Reset FAFSA button at the top of the page or in the menu at the upper right of the mobile app screen. Just know that by doing so, the entire application or correction will be cleared, and you will have to start the entire application or correction over again.


If I enter my tax information manually, will I be able to see it?


Yes. Tax return information that s entered manually will be visible on fafsa.gov, in the mobile app, and on your Student Aid Report.


Signing and Submitting the FAFSA Form


Before your FAFSA form can be processed , you ll need to sign and submit the application. Here are some tips as you finish your FAFSA form : To ensure the application functions properly , make sure the pop - up blocker in your browser allows pop - ups from fafsa.ed.gov. Learn how to enable pop - ups in your browser. Be sure to sign with your FSA ID your username and password so your FAFSA form will be processed as quickly as possible. (If you log in to the form by providing your FSA ID, you won t be asked for it again when it s time to sign. However, if you re providing parent information, one of your parents will be required to sign your application.) While your online FAFSA form will be processed much quicker if you and your parent if you re a dependent student sign your FAFSA form with your FSA ID , you have the option to print out, sign, and mail in a signature page to the address listed on the page. Learn more about printing a signature page. Once you see your confirmation page , you ll know you ve successfully submitted your FAFSA form. If you provided an email address on the form , you ll automatically receive the confirmation page by email. There are a few differences between the emailed confirmation and the one you ll see in the FAFSA form before exiting the application, so consider printing or saving your confirmation page before you exit. For example , the emailed confirmation won t include the college graduation, retention, and transfer rates for schools you listed on your FAFSA form. There are some states that have a partnership with our office that allows you to transfer your information directly into your state aid form for example, New York residents can use this interface to link directly to the application for the Tuition Assistance Program [TAP]. When you fill out the FAFSA form , you ll have the option to apply with certain state financial aid forms. So , if you see a link from your FAFSA confirmation page to your state financial aid form , you should select it. The link will only appear on the confirmation page within the FAFSA form, so be sure to take advantage of it while you re still in the application. Your confirmation page offers the option for the parent information in your FAFSA form to be transferred automatically into another student s application. So if you have a sibling who needs to fill out a FAFSA form , be sure to use this option when you see your confirmation page. The link will only appear on the confirmation page within the FAFSA form, so be sure to take advantage of it while you re still in the application. Note: If you re filling out the FAFSA form on the myStudentAid app , your parent will only see this option if they sign and submit after you.


Top FAFSA Tips Read all questions and instructions carefully. Meet deadlines. Check your email including spam regularly for any messages from Federal Student Aid or your college.


Taking the Next Steps


Once you ve completed your FAFSA form , there are more steps you have to take before you receive financial aid. Make sure you know what happens after you submit your FAFSA form.


When it comes to paying for college, career school, or graduate school, federal student loans can offer several advantages over private student loans.


Need a loan to help pay for college? Consider federal loans first!


If you apply for financial aid , your school will likely include student loans as part of your financial aid package. It s important to understand what types of loans you are offered. Generally , there are two types of student loans federal and private. Federal student loans and federal parent loans : These loans are funded by the federal government. Private student loans: These loans are nonfederal loans, made by a lender such as a bank, credit union, state agency, or a school.


If you need to borrow money to pay for college or career school, start with federal loans.


Federal student loans are Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Direct PLUS Loans for graduate and professional students.


Federal parent loans are Direct PLUS Loans for parents. Parents are fully responsible for paying these loans, even though they are taken out to benefit students.


What are the differences between federal and private student loans?


Federal student loans are made by the government, with terms and conditions that are set by law, and include many benefits such as fixed interest rates and income - driven repayment plans not typically offered with private loans.


In contrast , private loans are made by private organizations such banks, credit unions, and state - based or state - affiliated organizations, and have terms and conditions that are set by the lender. Private student loans are generally more expensive than federal student loans.


The chart below provides a summary of the differences.


Private loans differ by lender and by type of loan. Be sure you understand the terms of your loan, and keep in touch with your lender about any questions you may have.


To get a federal loan , you must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid FAFSA form. Learn more about applying for aid.


Did you know that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides tax benefits for education?


The tax benefits can be used to get back some of the money you spend on tuition or loan interest or to maximize your college savings.


Read IRS Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education to see which federal income tax benefits might apply to your situation. Here are some highlights :


Tax Credits for Higher Education Expenses


Two tax credits help offset the costs tuition, fees, books, supplies, equipment of college or career school by reducing the amount of your income tax : The American Opportunity Credit allows you to claim up to $2,500 per student per year for the first four years of school as the student works toward a degree or similar credential. The Lifetime Learning Credit allows you to claim up to $2,000 per student per year for any college or career school tuition and fees, as well as for books, supplies, and equipment that were required for the course and had to be purchased from the school.


Even if you normally wouldn t file a tax return because of your income level , be sure to do so! If you don t , you ll miss out on tax credits that would put money in your pocket.


Coverdell Education Savings Account


A Coverdell Education Savings Account allows up to $2,000 a year to be put aside for a student s education expenses elementary, secondary, or college or career school.


Qualified Tuition Programs (QTPs; also known as 529 Plans)


A QTP/529 plan is established by a state or school so that you can either prepay or save up to pay education - related expenses. Once you re in college or career school and you withdraw money from your account to pay your education expenses , the money you withdraw will not be taxed. Learn more about state 529 plans. To find out whether the college you plan to attend participates in a QTP , ask the financial aid or admissions staff.


Student Loan Interest Deduction


You can take a tax deduction for the interest paid on student loans that you took out for yourself, your spouse, or your dependent. This benefit applies to all loans not just federal student loans used to pay for higher education expenses. The maximum deduction is $2,500 a year.


Using IRA Withdrawals for College Costs


You may withdraw from an IRA to pay higher education expenses for yourself, your spouse, your child, or your grandchild. You will owe federal income tax on the amount withdrawn , but won't be subject to the early withdrawal penalty.


Most U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens are eligible for financial aid for college or career school. It s important to understand the criteria of the programs, how to stay eligible, and how to get your eligibility back if you lose it.


Eligibility Requirements Students With a Parent Who Was Killed in Iraq or Afghanistan Non-U.S. Citizens Students with criminal convictions Students with intellectual disabilities Homeless Students who are or have been in foster care Students Staying Eligible Regaining Eligibility


Eligibility Requirements


Our general eligibility requirements include that you have financial need, are a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, and are enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program at your college or career school. There are more eligibility requirements you must meet to qualify for federal student aid.


For a quick glance at the basic eligibility criteria for federal student aid, check out this graphic.


Eligibility for Federal Student AidGraphic


View text - only version of Eligibility for Federal Student Aid infographic


Did You Know?


There is no income cut - off to qualify for federal student aid. Many factors such as the size of your family and your year in school are taken into account.


LEARN ABOUT ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA


Students With a Parent Who Was Killed in Iraq or Afghanistan


If your parent died as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11 , you might be eligible for additional Federal Pell Grant funding or for an Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant.


Non-U.S. Citizens


Generally , if you have a green card in other words, if you are a permanent resident alien , you will be considered an eligible noncitizen and will be able to get federal student aid if you meet the other basic eligibility criteria. Learn about which immigration statuses make you an eligible noncitizen.


Students With Criminal Convictions


Your eligibility for federal student aid can be affected by incarceration, having a conviction for a drug offense, or being subject to an involuntary civil commitment after completing a period of incarceration for a sexual offense.


Students With Intellectual Disabilities


Students with intellectual disabilities may receive funding from the Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, and Federal Work - Study programs in certain circumstances.


Homeless Students


We don t offer a financial aid program specifically for students who are homeless. However , homeless students can receive money for college if they meet the eligibility requirements for federal student aid.


Here are some resources for students who are homeless : Federal Student Aid and Homeless Youth FAFSA dependency status information certain homeless students may not have to report parent information on the FAFSA form I Want to Go to College: Now What? Identifying and Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness from Pre - School to Post - Secondary Ages this page is aimed at professionals assisting homeless students , but students may be interested in a few of the links that provide information about services or offices that can help


Students Who Are (or Have Been) in Foster Care


We don t offer a financial aid program specifically for students who are or have been in foster care. However , such students can receive money for college if they meet the eligibility requirements for federal student aid.


Here are some resources for students who are or have been in foster care : Educational and Training Vouchers for Current and Former Foster Care Youth FAFSA dependency status information certain students who are or have been in foster care may not have to report parent information on the FAFSA form Foster Care Transition Toolkit


Staying Eligible


Find out how to stay eligible for federal student aid.


LEARN HOW TO STAY ELIGIBLE


Regaining Eligibility


If you ve been told you no longer qualify for federal student aid , find out how to get your eligibility back.


LEARN ABOUT REGAINING ELIGIBILITY


FAFSA Deadlines


Yes, there are FAFSA deadlines , and we ve got them right here. Don t miss out on financial aid opportunities.


Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid FAFSA form allows you to be considered for federal student aid. In addition , states and colleges use FAFSA information to award their own grants, scholarships, and loans. But , since aid is limited , you have to meet the deadlines!


Federal Deadlines


2020 21 Academic Year


Online FAFSA forms must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Central time CT, June 30 , 2021. Any corrections or updates must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT, September 11 , 2021.


2019 20 Academic Year


Online Free Application for Federal Student Aid FAFSA forms must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Central time CT, June 30 , 2020. Any corrections or updates must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT, September 12 , 2020.


College Deadlines


Each college may have its own deadline. Check with the college you re interested in attending. You may also want to ask your college about its definition of an application deadline. Is it the date your FAFSA form is processed or the date the college receives your processed FAFSA data?


State Deadlines


Each state has its own deadline. See the listing below.


2020 21 Academic Year State Deadlines


2019 20 Academic Year State Deadlines


Not sure what college or career school might be right for you?


Learn about steps you can take to research possible colleges or career schools.


While getting the right education and training will help you get a better - paying job , going to college or career school is a big investment in time, money, and effort. Make sure to take your time and research your options.


How do I find the right college or career school for me?


Types of Schools


There is a wide array of schools available for higher education. Options include two- and four - year colleges and universities, vocational, trade, and career schools, online schools, and graduate schools. Different schools serve different purposes. Make sure you choose the type of school that helps you achieve your goals.


Remember that financial assistance programs and requirements can vary from school to school. Plus , not all colleges and career schools participate in the federal student aid programs. Always check with a school to find out what financial aid is available there.


Assess Yourself


Understanding your career goals and options and their earning potential will help you find a college or career school that meets your needs. The Career Search will help you match your skills and interests with potential careers.


Use the College Search Tool


The U.S. Department of Education s college search tool, College Navigator, is a way to find colleges and career schools that may fit your needs. You can search for schools by location, degrees offered, programs and majors, tuition and fees, setting, size, and much more. College Navigator allows you to compare schools, save your session, and export your results into a spreadsheet.


Check Out Schools (In Person or Remotely)


To help you narrow down your college or career school options , try the following : Check out the school s website. Lots of colleges and career schools offer virtual tours, so you can still see the campus, even if you can t visit in person. Attend college fairs. College fairs give you the chance to talk to representatives from multiple colleges and career schools. For instance , you can visit the National Association for College Admission Counseling college fairs. A great way to get a feel for a school is to contact the school and schedule a visit, preferably while classes are in session. Be sure to bring a list of questions to ask. If you re in high school , ask your school counselor what information he or she has about the schools that interest you. Visit your state higher education agency s website to learn more about colleges and universities in your state.


Your education is a major investment, so find out as much information as you can before you enroll. And because each school may offer different financial aid packages , you should consider applying to more than one school. For more information about what you should be doing to get ready for college , use our checklists for help.


What should I consider when comparing schools?


As you research colleges and career schools , consider such factors as cost, location, accreditation, and more.


To find the information listed on this page for a specific school , check the school s website or search for the school using the U.S. Department of Education s college search tool, College Navigator.


School Costs and Net Price


School costs can be one of the most important factors in choosing potential colleges or career schools and costs can vary significantly from school to school. Learn about what is included in the cost of college and ways to reduce college costs. Any school that participates in the federal student aid programs is required to provide information on its cost of attendance and to offer a net price calculator on its website. Searching for a school s net price calculator is easy. This calculator will give you an idea of how much a program may cost after subtracting any financial aid. You can look up the cost and assess the value of colleges using the College Scorecard.


Financial Aid


Many students worry that tuition and the other costs of continuing their education will be out of reach. But don t let the potential costs stop you. Most students receive some kind of financial aid , and a few students even get a free ride, with all their costs covered. You should learn about financial aid including grants, scholarships, work - study, and loans. Always apply for all types of aid for which you might qualify, and meet all deadlines! Creating and managing a budget is a way to keep track of your income and expenses and save for your goals.


Admission Requirements


Different schools have different admission requirements. Learn exactly what a school requires by visiting its website or checking in with its admissions office. Many U.S. colleges require that students submit standardized test scores as part of their application packages. For most undergraduate programs , you ll have to take either the SAT or the ACT Test.


Accreditation


An accredited school meets certain standards set by an independent agency. It helps ensure the training or education you get meets employer standards in a specific field. If you attend a school that isn t accredited , you might not be able to get any financial aid. Use our accreditation search page to check a particular school s standards or to find an accredited school in a particular field or location.


A diploma mill is an unaccredited school or a business claiming to be a school that awards a degree without requiring classwork that meets college - level standards. Some will send a diploma without you doing any work at all if you pay a fee. Others assign classwork that is so easy that your resulting degree is worthless, compared to a degree from an accredited school, and it won t help you get a good job. Learn more about diploma mills and how to avoid them.


Enrollment Contracts


Read any school enrollment contract carefully before you sign it. The contract explains what the school will give you for your money. If a school representative promises you something such as help finding a job that s not in the contract , ask the representative to write that promise into the contract and have it signed and dated. A promise is usually not enforceable unless it s in writing.


Refund Policies


Find out the school s tuition refund policy. If you enroll but never begin classes , you should get most of your money back. If you begin attending classes but leave before completing your course work , you might be able to get some of your money back. Also find out the school s return - of - aid policy. If you receive federal student aid except for Federal Work - Study and you withdraw from school , some of that money might have to be given back to the source by you or by your school. Even if you don t finish your course work , you ll have to repay the loan funds you received, minus any student loan funds your school has returned to the U.S. Department of Education. Learn more about repaying federal student loans.


Past Complaints and Reputation


Just because a school participates in the federal student aid programs doesn t mean we ve endorsed the quality of education the school offers. To find out whether there have been any complaints about the school , contact your local Better Business Bureau, state higher education agency, or the consumer protection division of your state attorney general s office. Check with the agency that licenses or accredits the school to see whether it meets required standards.


Useful Statistics


Some numbers can help you evaluate schools.


Questions and Answers About FAFSA Completion Data


Below are questions we ve heard about the Completion by High School and Public School District">data we provide on FAFSA completion by high school.


Basics


Missing or Duplicate High Schools


Low Completion Totals


Technical and Analytical


What is the difference between a submitted and a completed FAFSA form?


How often will the FAFSA submission data be updated?


The source of the data is the U.S. Department of Education's Central Processing System.


Federal Student Aid releases data for the current 2018 19 cycle and provides a side - by - side comparison of the previous 2017 18 cycle. We also have an archive that contains data files from the 2017 18 cycle comparing it to the past 2016 17 cycle. Each file has the previous cycle data through the same date in the prior year as well as the 6-month and 12-month numbers for the previous cycle.


Only numbers of submitted and completed FAFSA forms are available. No personally identifiable information for any FAFSA filer will be shared through this process. Email us at HSFAFSA@ed.gov if you see data that is inaccurate and/or you have suggestions for improvement. We welcome your input.


Submitted applications reflect all FAFSA forms submitted by students at that high school. These applications , however , can be subsequently rejected by the Central Processing System if they are missing key pieces of information. The applications that are not rejected are referred to as completed applications. Completed applications , therefore , are a subset of all submitted applications. If a FAFSA form is submitted but not complete , the student will receive an email from the Department of Education asking him or her to correct the FAFSA form. A completed FAFSA form is necessary to determine eligibility for federal student aid and often other forms of financial aid.


From October through June , data releases are weekly. For the remainder of the calendar year , data releases occur every other Friday. (For high schools to track their progress, Federal Student Aid regularly updates estimates for the first 12 months of an application cycle. As of the 2017 18 FAFSA cycle, this is extended to the first 15 months of the application cycle and will cover October of one year through December of the following year.)


Why isn't my high school listed in these data files?


There are two primary reasons that you may not see your school on the list. Your school will not appear on the report if there are fewer than five completed applications. Your school may appear on the report , but it may be listed under an alternative name. Since school names are inherently student - reported , the reported name can vary considerably. In aggregating the data , our standard practice is to report the school name that is most commonly reported by applicants. It is possible this name is different than your formal school name. As a result , it is important to look for other variations of your school name and city.


You do not need to request to be added to the list. Once a high school shows at least five completed FAFSA forms , their submission and completion totals will appear in the database.


I cannot find my high school within the FAFSA form's high school search results. What could be causing this? How do I go about getting my school included?


With a few exceptions discussed below , most high schools should be contained in our database on the FAFSA form. If you can t find your school , double - check your spelling of the city and school name , and then try your search again. Also , consider alternate names or cities that may be used. Sometimes the official location of the school reported to us is a suburb within a larger city, or vice - versa. If after trying various possibilities you still cannot find your institution , you may still continue forward by clicking next. Despite being unable to find your school , the information you type in will still be captured and recorded, so be sure the spelling is correct.


For public schools , our database should contain every high school in the nation, unless the school was opened, merged, or otherwise changed its name within the past year or two. If you fit into one of these categories , your school may not be listed within the current FAFSA form, but will be listed on future FAFSA forms.


For private schools , our database contains every high school that has participated in the U.S. Department of Education's Private School Survey. Visit the National Center for Education Statistics if your private school would like more information. If your private school only recently participated in the survey , your school may not be listed within the current FAFSA form, but will be listed on future FAFSA forms.


Why do there appear to be duplicates of the same school?


Since these school names are inherently student - reported , the reported name can vary considerably. In aggregating the data , our standard practice is to report the school name that is most commonly reported by applicants.


However , when we are unable to determine if school name variations are referring to the same school , we err on the side of caution and do not aggregate the data to a single record and applicant count. In that instance , it may appear that there are duplicates of the same school. Email us at HSFAFSA@ed.gov if you believe your school has been listed more than once.


I am a high school counselor or college access professional. What resources do you have to help increase FAFSA completion totals?


While we know that many high schools inadvertently overestimate their FAFSA completion rates , one reason your rates may be lower than expected is because your school could be listed more than once. This happens if students entered your school name in different ways on the FAFSA form. For instance , if some students listed " John Doe High School " and other students listed " Doe High School , " then your high school could be listed in more than one place. Please look for alternate names for your school. Email us at HSFAFSA@ed.gov if you find your school has been listed more than once.


Federal Student Aid s Financial Aid Toolkit provides federal student aid information and outreach tools for counselors, college access professionals, nonprofit mentors, and others. The site helps counselors understand the basics of federal student aid, provides tips on hosting events along with sample PowerPoint presentations, provides suggested messages for social media and email outreach, and helps find other training opportunities.


I am a counselor at a high school with a lot of students age 20 or older. Why are my numbers so low?


Because there is no question on the FAFSA form that asks if an applicant is a high school senior , we must use several criteria to identify those applicants that are likely high school seniors. In this instance , the bulk of the students would likely not satisfy the age criteria requiring applicants to be less than 20 years of age at the cutoff date. Also , students must also be receiving their high school diploma, as opposed to a GED or other program, to fit this definition of a high school senior.


Can I add up all the submitted applications from a single state file to calculate a state total? What about adding up all the submitted applications from a single city?


There could be several causes for this, including the possibility that your institution is listed more than once in the data using alternate variations of the school's name or city. One other cause is a change we made in 2017 to our definition of a high school senior, which now aligns with other data we publicly release. In past years, we used proxies to determine whether an applicant was a first - time filer ; we now use true first - time filer status as one criterion for being a senior. While this impacts a relatively small number of applicants, if your total decreased compared to what we reported last year , then this may mean there were applicants that had applied in a previous year.


The answer to both questions is no. The official location of a school or the location most commonly reported by students may actually be a suburb falling within a larger city's limits. For example , adding up all the applications reported under " New York City " would exclude any institutions reported being within " Queens " or even within " Jamaica, " a smaller neighborhood within the New York City Borough of Queens.


Any analysis must also consider the impact of withholding the totals or names of schools with fewer than five completed applications. At its most basic level , summing the number of applications reported in these files always underestimates the number of applications. If an institution is reported as having " <5 " completed applications , one cannot assume there were zero applications. Further , the totals for some schools are never made public because their class sizes essentially preclude them from having enough completed applications to ever be disclosed publicly. Because this impacts some areas more than others , be sure to consider these and other factors when conducting any analyses.


Why do some districts appear in white on the maps?


Districts are listed as missing / insufficient data if any of the following conditions are true : The regulatory adjusted cohort graduation rate is missing e.g., if districts merged or a new district was created after 2009 10. A district has fewer than 15 students in the regulatory adjusted cohort graduation rate data. There s an unpredicted increase in the number of district graduating seniors e.g., a dramatic increase in the graduation rate, or if two districts merge under one district's name. A district has fewer than 10 projected graduates. A district has fewer than five completed FAFSA forms. The National Center Education Statistics Local Education Agency LEA code does not match the LEA code found in the Tiger / Line shapefile for the state.


Dependent students must report their parents information, as well as their own, on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.


Find out who counts as your parent when you file your FAFSA form.


If you are considered a dependent student for FAFSA purposes , you will need to provide information about your legal parent on the application. A legal parent is your biological or adoptive parent, or your legal parent as determined by the state for example, if the parent is listed on your birth certificate. If you have a stepparent currently married to your legal parent , you generally also must provide information about him or her.


Who is my parent according to the FAFSA form?


If you need to report parent information , here are some guidelines to help you : If your legal parents your biological and/or adoptive parents, or parents as determined by the state [e.g., a parent listed on your birth certificate] are married to each other, answer the questions about both of them, regardless of whether your parents are of the same or opposite sex. If your legal parents are not married to each other and live together , answer the questions about both of them, regardless of whether your parents are of the same or opposite sex. If your legal parent is widowed or was never married , answer the questions about that parent.


What if my parents are divorced or separated?


In this case , how you fill out the FAFSA form depends on whether your parents live together or not.


Keep the following in mind as you read this section : For FAFSA purposes , your married parents are separated if they are considered legally separated by a state, or if they are legally married but have chosen to live separate lives, including living in separate households, as though they were not married. When two married persons live as a married couple but are separated by physical distance or have separate households , they are considered married for FAFSA purposes.


Divorced or Separated Parents Who Do Not Live Together


If your parents are divorced or separated and don t live together , answer the questions about the parent with whom you lived more during the past 12 months.


If you lived the same amount of time with each divorced or separated parent , give answers about the parent who provided more financial support during the past 12 months or during the most recent 12 months that you actually received support from a parent.


Divorced or Separated Parents Who Live Together


If your divorced parents live together, you ll indicate their marital status as Unmarried and both legal parents living together , " and you will answer questions about both of them on the FAFSA form.


If your separated parents live together, you ll indicate their marital status as Married or remarried " NOT Divorced or separated " , and you will answer questions about both of them on the FAFSA form.


What if I have a stepparent?


If you have a stepparent who is married to the legal parent whose information you re reporting , you must provide information about that stepparent as well.


EXCEPTION : The FAFSA form asks about your parents education level. For these two questions , your parents are considered to be your birth parents or adoptive parents your stepparent is not your parent in these questions.


Including your stepparent s information on the FAFSA form helps create an accurate picture of your family s total financial strength.


What if my stepparent is widowed?


If your stepparent was married to your parent but is now widowed , that stepparent doesn t count as a parent on your FAFSA form unless he or she has legally adopted you.


What if my parents are in a same-sex marriage?


Same - sex couples must report their marital status as married if they were legally married in a state or other jurisdiction foreign country, without regard to where they live or where the student will be going to school.


The FAFSA questions use gender - neutral terminology for married parents Parent 1 father / mother / stepparent " and Parent 2 father / mother / stepparent " instead of mother " and father ". It does not matter which parent completes which set of questions.


What if I live with someone other than my parents?


It doesn t matter if you don t live with your parent or parents ; you still must report information about them. The following people are not your parents unless they have legally adopted you: grandparents, foster parents, legal guardians, older brothers or sisters, uncles or aunts, and widowed stepparents.


What kind of information must my parents provide for the FAFSA form?


For each parent , you ll report similar information to that you report for yourself: basic information about your parent s identity e.g., name, date of birth, and Social Security number if he or she has one; living situation e.g., marital status, state of residence, household size; and financial circumstances e.g., tax information, certain assets, certain untaxed income. Learn more about the types of information you and your parents will report on the FAFSA form.


What if I'm unable to provide parent information due to special circumstances?


In situations such as the ones below , you may be able to submit your FAFSA form without parent information despite being considered a dependent student : Your parents are incarcerated. You have left home due to an abusive family environment. You do not know where your parents are and are unable to contact them and you have not been adopted. You are older than 21 but not yet 24, are unaccompanied, and are either homeless or self - supporting and at risk of being homeless.