FAFSA Tips
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is one of the most important steps in the financial aid process. You can complete the FAFSA before or after you are admitted and include Cornell College in your list of schools. The earlier you complete the FAFSA, the sooner you will get a complete financial aid package.
A few simple preparations can make filing faster, easier, and less stressful.
File the FAFSA Learn about Cornell Financial Aid
Before you start
Set aside about 30-60 minutes to complete the form.
Create your FSA ID (student and contributor(s)). Keep your user id and password in a safe place.
Students need to know the email address that contributors used to create their FSA ID account.
Your tax data is automatically transferred via the IRS Direct Data Exchange, but having your 2025 tax return handy helps for reference.
Gather your untaxed income information including documentation of any child support received, veteran's non-education benefits, or other untaxed income .
Have your Social Security number and the name on your card available.
Make sure the student and any required contributor can access their accounts.
Top FAFSA Tips
File as early as possible
Your FAFSA tells us if you’re eligible for federal, state, and Cornell need-based financial aid. Filing early can help you get maximum consideration for aid programs.
Create your FSA ID in advance
Students and contributors will need their FSA ID to access and sign the FAFSA. Creating accounts early sets you up for success.
Double-check names, emails, and Social Security numbers
Even a small typo can cause processing delays. Before you finish your FAFSA, make sure all personal information matches official records.
Don’t leave questions blank
Answer every question that applies to your situation. Unanswered questions can slow down the financial aid process. If you don’t understand a question, ask for help.
Add schools you’re considering
You don’t need to make a final college decision before filing the FAFSA. Include all schools you’re interested in so they can receive your FAFSA information. Including a school does not commit you to anything.
Watch your email for important updates
After filing, watch your email for updates, requests for additional information, or next steps from colleges and the federal aid system.
Keep copies of everything for your records
Save confirmation pages (take a photo or screenshot), emails, and any documentation used to complete your FAFSA. Having records handy can make follow-up conversations much easier.
Common FAFSA mistakes to avoid
Avoid these common errors that could delay your financial aid award process:
- Entering incorrect Social Security numbers.
- Using the wrong contributor information.
- Forgetting to sign where required.
- Ignoring follow-up requests for information.
- Assuming you won't qualify and choosing not to file. The application is free, and could mean 4 years worth of aid toward college.
- Missing deadlines specific to colleges you are interested in.
Frequently asked questions
What if I don’t think I’ll qualify for aid?
Complete the FAFSA anyway. Many families are surprised by the financial aid available to them.
Do I have to commit to a college before filing?
No. You can submit the FAFSA before you make your final college decision.
Is filing the FAFSA required?
No, it is not required for admission, but not filing can impact the types of financial aid you may get from institutions as well as the federal and state aid you might receive.
Can I get my financial aid package before I apply to Cornell?
You can use our Net Price Calculator to estimate your cost of attendance and financial aid offer to attend Cornell College, but you must apply and be accepted for admission to receive a final aid package.
Can I file the FAFSA for my student?
The new FAFSA is a student-initiated form, meaning the student needs to create an account and invite contributors to add to their form. Everyone in the process needs a separate FSA ID and account.
Who is the designated contributor(s) for my FAFSA?
A contributor is anyone (you, your spouse, a biological or adoptive parent, or your parent's spouse) who's required to provide information on the FAFSA form. There’s a wizard to help you identify contributors on the Federal Student Aid website.
FAFSA help page FAFSA help videos
Need help?
If you need help with the why or how of filing the FAFSA, we’re here to help you understand what the FAFSA means for your Cornell financial aid.
Call 1.877.579.4049 or email financialassistance@cornellcollege.edu to talk to a financial aid counselor.