Navigating Federal Student Aid

The primary responsibility for financing education lies first with the student and their family. Financial aid programs are designed to provide support to eligible individuals who have the ability to benefit from training and who, without assistance, would be unable to afford to attend.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Students who are seeking financial assistance should start the process now.

IF YOU ARE ATTENDING
COLLEGE FROM
FILE THIS FAFSA FILE FAFSA DURING
THIS TIME FRAME
USE YOUR TAX
INFORMATION FROM
July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024 2023- 2024 October 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023 2021
July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025 2024 – 2025 December 30, 2023- June 30, 2025 2022

First Coast Technical College’s school code is 012544.

Each applicant and any applicable contributor will be required to provide consent to have their Federal Tax Information (FTI) included in the FAFSA, even if they did not file a U.S. tax return. FTI is the data and information related to the federal tax paying and is transferred directly from the IRS. All parties whose FTI is included on a Student’s FAFSA form and must provide consent each year. 

Once your application has been completed (First Coast Technical College has been listed on your application), it will take 3 – 5 business days for the Financial Aid office to receive your FAFSA report. You will be contacted at this time by the Financial Aid office. Log on to your FAFSA account and check your SAR (Student Aid Report) for errors and/or required verifications.

To connect with a Financial Aid Advisor, email [email protected] and be sure to provide your contact information within the email.

FIRST COAST TECHNICAL COLLEGE DOES NOT PROCESS LOANS

Starting Your FAFSA

To get started, you will need to gather the following documents:

  • Social Security Number
  • Driver’s License (if any)
  • W-2 forms
  • Prior-Prior year federal tax return (dependent students will need parent information)
  • Bank Statements
  • Investment records
  • Untaxed income records

If you are NEW to the FAFSA:

  • Create Your FSA ID
    • You will need to create a username and password to e-sign your FAFSA.
    • A dependent student will also need a parent to create an FSA ID
    • Create the FSA ID: StudentAid.gov
    • Keep your FSA ID in a safe place to use again for each year you complete the FAFSA
  • Go to https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa 
  • Click the blue “Start New Form” button.
  • Enter your (the student’s) FSA ID (username and password) on the left side
  • Create a save key. This is a temporary password which to log in and create a permanent password.
  • Enter the information requested by the application.
  • Enter your school choice. FCTC’s school code is 012544.
  • Each applicant and any applicable contributor will be required to provide consent to have their Federal Tax Information (FTI)included in the FAFSA, even if they did not file a U.S. tax return.
  • Sign FAFSA with FSA ID. If you are a dependent student, your parent must sign with their FSA ID as well.
  • Click submit.

RETURNING USER:

  1. Go to www.fafsa.gov
  2. Click on the FAFSA application year you are applying for.
    • Much of your information will be carried forward from last year. You will be able to review that information and update all information on the current application before submitting.
    • Your income and tax information won’t be carried over, in the “financial information” section. Select that you’re “Already Completed” your 2022 taxes. You will need to provide consent to have you FTI included in the FAFSA.
    • Sign and submit your application.
    • Print “Confirmation Page”  for your records.

Need Help?

Call the FAFSA Help Line at (800) 433-3243 for more assistance

FINAL STEPS

  • Review your Student Aid Report (SAR)
  • Make corrections if needed
  • See if you were selected for verification.
  • Once you are Ready to Register, you will receive an email on how to complete the financial aid process by creating your Financial Aid portal.
  • It is suggested you connect with the Financial Aid Office to discuss your confirmed budget. (904)547-3505, (904)547-3502 or [email protected] 

Selection for Verification

If you are selected for verification, you will be notified by our Financial Aid Office. You and/or your parents may be required to provide additional documents that may be requested. These documents may include official tax transcripts, SNAPS, child support, SSI, SSA, etc.

How to Obtain Official Tax Transcripts

You may request your Tax Transcript at http://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript. This site will enable you to request either online or by mail. To order by phone, call (800) 908-9946 and follow the prompts.

If you would like to make an appointment at your local IRS office, call the IRS at 1 – 844 – 545 – 5640 (Press 1 for English and 1 again to speak to a representative).

Internal Revenue Service, RAIVS Team
Stop 6705 P – G
Kansas City, MO 64999

If you are chosen for verification and unable to use the DRT, the following documents will be required. Please be sure to check the appropriate box for the correct item you are requesting. See the chart above for the correct tax year based on your application year.

For additional information, please view these helpful Financial Aid Tutorial Videos.

 

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