Apply to FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form that can be prepared annually by current and prospective college students (undergraduate and graduate) in the United States to determine their eligibility for student financial aid.
To be considered for financial aid, you must complete a FAFSA online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. You will need to make sure that your web browser is compatible.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an organised method of gathering information about you and your family’s financial situation. This information is then analysed according to US federal guidelines together with the College guidelines. This ensures that all applications are treated fairly and equitably.
Students are reminded to obtain an FSA ID which allows students and parents to identify themselves electronically to access FSA Web sites.
An FSA ID is made up of a username and password and can be used to log into FAFSA on the Web.
While you are not required to have an FSA ID to complete and submit a FAFSA on the Web application, it is the fastest way to sign your application and have it processed. It is also the only way to access or correct your information online, or to pre-fill a FAFSA on the Web application with information from your previous year’s FAFSA.
It allows users to electronically access personal information on Federal Student Aid Web sites as well as electronically sign a FAFSA.
If you do not already have an FSA ID, you can create an FSA ID via the FAFSA website.
Direct Loan Entrance Counselling (EC)
Federal law requires all students to complete entrance counselling at the appropriate grade level (undergraduate or postgraduate) for the appropriate loans (Direct Stafford Loan, and/or Direct PLUS Loan) prior to any loan origination. Loan counselling will inform you of your rights and obligations. If you do not complete entrance counselling we will not be able to originate your loan(s). You must complete entrance counselling by visiting the StudentLoans.gov website and take a screenshot or obtain other evidence which indicates you have done so. This should be saved as a pdf document and uploaded during the online application process.
FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS)
After completing the FAFSA, you will receive a FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS). This document lists the information you and your family have provided and tells you what your Student Aid Index (SAI) is for the year you are applying. Your complete FSS document should be saved as a pdf document and uploaded during the RVC's online application process.
Sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN)
Once you have decided how much you wish to borrow you should visit the StudentLoans.gov website and sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN). You will need to sign one MPN for a Direct Stafford Loan and one for a Direct PLUS loan if you intend to apply for a PLUS loan. You must save your Master Promissory Note (eMPN) as a PDF file as you will need this later when applying for your loan.
If you intend to apply for a Direct PLUS Loan (Parent or Grad) then you will need to visit the StudentLoans.gov website and make your application request online. You will need to initiate a credit check and provide proof to the College that this has been accepted. Direct PLUS Loans require a separate Master Promissory Note (MPN) to Direct Stafford Loans. You must save your (eMPN) as a PDF file as you will need this later when applying for your loan.
The RVC Codes
One of the final steps in completing the FAFSA is supplying the RVC Department of Education Federal University / School code.
- The Federal School Code for the RVC is G38243
- OPE-ID: 0038243
Once you have completed all the above steps you will be in a position to start submitting your application to the RVC Financial Aid Office.
Please see step by step guide on How to Apply – the Steps!