FAFSA Filing

By: Sherri Peterson, Financial Aid

January 1 is not only the first day of a new year, but it also is the first day that you can file your financial aid application (FAFSA) for the upcoming school year.  Gonzaga’s priority deadline is February 1^st, so be sure to submit the FAFSA in January to get the most financial aid possible.

A few tips to remember when applying:

• Filing is Free!  Be sure to file at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

• You can file with estimates.  The FAFSA is one of the few Federal forms that is ok to provide estimates. We know that the 2014-2015 FAFSA will be requesting information about your 2013 taxes and they most likely won’t be completed in January. Please fill out the FAFSA before February 1^st, even if your taxes are not complete.

• File by February 1^st!  High need funds are often limited so to get the best possible aid offer you should file before February 1^st. Don’t worry if your numbers aren’t 100% accurate, as it’s more important to meet this deadline. We can always make corrections later.

• Ask for help if needed. Free assistance is available! Contact the financial aid office at 509-313-6582 or finaid@gonzaga.edu. Help is also available at www.fafsa.ed.gov; look for the help and hints box on the right side of the page.