Complete the FAFSA

FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This application is used to apply for federal, state, and institutional need-based grant, loan, and workstudy programs. To maximize your eligibility for all types of financial aid, you are encouraged to complete the FAFSA form by March 2nd each year. 

New and continuing students must complete a FAFSA every year to be considered for federal, state, and institutional need-based financial aid.

Submit Your FAFSA

The 2024-25 FAFSA application is now available.

The 2025-26 FAFSA application is planned to be available to all students by December 1st, 2024.

When prompted, be sure to use Cal Lutheran's School Code: 001133

START YOUR FAFSA

 

Note: If you are not eligible to file a FAFSA, please visit the CADAA (California Dream Act Application) to learn more regarding potential eligibility.


New for 2024-25: FAFSA Simplification Act

A law known as the FAFSA Simplification Act has enacted a sweeping redesign of the processes and systems used to award federal student aid. A few of the changes include:

  • A new streamlined user experience for the FAFSA application
  • Redesigned need analysis and Pell formulas for expanded eligibility for federal student aid
  • Initial electronic consent from students, parents and spouse (as applicable) required for all applications

Summary of Major Changes

FAFSA Completion Walkthrough

Create or retrieve your FSA ID
  • An FSA ID is an account and password that gives you access to the Federal Student Aid’s online system and serves as your electronic signature.
  • Everyone required to provide information on the FAFSA (student & contributors such as parents) must have their own FSA ID.
  • Get started here
Gather your prior-prior year tax information
  • You may need to provide tax information on the application if requested.
  • The FAFSA uses prior-prior year tax information (for example, the 2024-25 FAFSA uses the 2022 tax year).
Completing the FAFSA
  • Go to StudentAid.gov and log in with your FSA ID.
  • Complete the Student Section of the FAFSA. When prompted, enter Cal Lutheran's School Code: 001133
  • Within the form, invite any contributors to your FAFSA. This includes your parents or stepparents (if you are a dependent student) and your spouse (if applicable).
  • Remind your contributors to create or retrieve their FSA IDs & complete their sections of the FAFSA.
  • Review your FAFSA to ensure it was succesfully submitted.
Additional Tips
  • Start early. Some FAFSA funds are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, so submitting it as early as possible is always best.
  • Be accurate. Provide complete and accurate information on the FAFSA. Any errors or omissions could delay your application or even make you ineligible for financial aid.
  • Keep copies of all supporting documents. If selected by Federal Student Aid, you may be asked to provide copies of your tax returns, W2s, and other documents to verify your information.
  • Need help? Reach out! If you have any questions about the FAFSA or financial aid in general feel free to call or email our office at 805-493-3115 (Mon-Fri 8am-5pm) or finaid@CalLutheran.edu.

Watch a quick video about the changes

Additional Information

Do these changes also affect the California Dream Act Application (CADAA)?
  • The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) plans to mirror the FAFSA updates on the California Dream Act Application. More information will be shared once it becomes available.

Disclaimer: The 2024-25 FAFSA changes are implemented by the U.S. Department of Education. Information on this page is subject to change as new information is released. For more information visit StudentAid.gov

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