The key to unlocking federal, state, and institutional aid
Applying for financial aid starts with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Every student should complete the FAFSA, even if you think you won’t qualify for need-based assistance.
Why? Many other institutional awards, state grants, and federal student loans require a FAFSA on file. The process may seem complex, but with the right information and a few practical tips, you can complete it confidently.
Get rewarded at Calvin for filing your FAFSA
Complete your FAFSA and earn $2,000 per year toward your Calvin education! It’s simple—start today and use Calvin’s school code 002241.
Step-by-step: how to complete the FAFSA
1. Create Your FSA (Federal Student Aid) ID
2. Gather required documents
3. Start the FAFSA application
4. Sign and submit
Top tips for FAFSA success
- Apply early: The FAFSA opens October 1. Early submission maximizes your aid eligibility. Submit by January to receive Calvin's full financial aid letter when we send it in February. Many states list May 1 as the priority deadline to maximize state aid.
- Use a permanent email: Avoid using high school emails that may expire.
- List all schools you're interested in: You can send your FAFSA to up to 20 colleges, even before applying. But to be considered for the school's financial aid package, you'll need to apply for admission. Calvin's FAFSA ID is 002241.
- Complete all sections carefully: Double-check entries for accuracy, and don’t leave any fields blank—enter “0” or “not applicable” if needed.
- Submit every year you're a student: Filing the FAFSA is not a one-time task; it’s an annual requirement for need-based financial aid consideration, as well as Calvin's $2000 FAFSA Grant.
Common FAFSA mistakes
- Not filling out the FAFSA at all (it's worth it!)
- Missing deadlines (federal, state, or college)
- Forgetting to sign the application
- Using nicknames instead of legal names
- Incorrect Social Security or tax information
- Leaving fields blank
- Misreporting assets or income
- Not including stepparent income if applicable
- Not listing all schools you’re considering
Frequently asked questions
Both. The student usually starts, then an email invitation is sent to the parent to complete their section, or vice versa.
Yes. All earned income should be reported even if no tax return was filed. Student income has minimal impact.
If owned by parents, report as parent assets. If owned by the student, report as student assets. No need to report grandparent-owned 529s.
All student assets must be reported on the student portion of the FASFA.
Yes. Students may receive Calvin's $2,000 FASFA grant just for completing it, and FASFA is required for student loans.
If biological mom and biological dad do not live together:
- The parent that provided the most financial support in the past 12 months should be the parent on the FAFSA,
- If you can’t answer that question (because both parents provided the same support, or both parents provided no financial support), then the parent who provided the most financial support in the 12 months prior should be the parent on the FAFSA.
- If you can’t answer that question, then the parent with the most income/assets should be the parent on the FAFSA.
- If the parent on the FAFSA is married, the stepparent’s income and assets are also required to be included on the FAFSA.
Yes, but financial aid letters won't be issued until you are admitted.
Calvin's FAFSA ID is 002241.
Submit the FAFSA anytime after it opens in October.
Submit by early January for it to be included in your financial aid letter that we send in February. If you submit after that, we'll add that aid to your other aid listed in the letter.
We also recommend submitting by May 1 for priority consideration for state aid.
Typically about a week for schools to see changes.
Past shutdowns haven't affected FAFSA availability. The concern is only if a shutdown happens before FAFSA opens.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Contact Calvin Financial Aid at finaid@calvin.edu.
Want to learn more?
We know submitting the FAFSA and financial aid in general can seem overwhelming. We are here to help!
We offer parent webinars about various topics like financial aid. Can't make the webinar on the scheduled date? Register anyway and we'll send you the recording!