How to apply

The first step in the Financial Aid process is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. The FAFSA will be used to determine your eligibility for federal and Indiana state aid programs, and some scholarships also require a FAFSA on file.

Before you begin filing the FAFSA, we recommend printing and completing a FAFSA worksheet.  The FAFSA worksheet will help you assemble the information you'll need to complete the FAFSA.  

When to file the FAFSA

The FAFSA must be submitted every year you need financial aid.  The FAFSA is available after January 1st each year.

To be eligible for Indiana state aid programs like 21st Century Scholar, Indiana National Guard grant and Frank O'Bannon Higher Education award, you must file your FAFSA so that it is received by the Federal Processer by 11:59 pm on March 10th each year.  If you miss the March 10th deadline, you will not be eligible for state aid until the following academic year. 

Additionally, if you must make any corrections to your FAFSA, you must do so by 11:59 pm on May 15th each year or you will lose your state aid eligibility.  You can access your state aid information any time at the state of Indiana's student aid portal, eStudent.

If you are unsure of which year's FAFSA to submit, use the table below:

Information needed to complete the FAFSA

To complete the FAFSA, you will need the following information:

Dependent Students:

• Student's federal tax return, if filed
• Parents' federal tax return
• School code (IPFW's school code is 001828)
• FAFSA PIN number for student and parent

Independent Students:

• Student's federal tax return, if filed
• School code (IPFW's school code is 001828)
• FAFSA PIN number

After you file the FAFSA

IPFW will receive your FAFSA within 3 to 5 business days.  If you are already admitted to IPFW, your FAFSA will be processed at that time.  The Enrollment tab on myIPFW will show a green checkmark if your FAFSA has been received.  If you must provide any documentation, or if you were selected for verification, you will also see red flags.   You must provide the requested information as quickly as possible, as you cannot be awarded any federal or state aid until the red flags are cleared.

Also, log on to the state of Indiana's student aid portal, eStudent to make sure the state of Indiana does not show any problems with your FAFSA that must be corrected.

Once any requirements have been cleared, you will be awarded your financial aid package.  For more information on awarding, read about the Award Process.