How to Apply for Financial Aid

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the common application for all financial aid programs. The FAFSA must be completed online at www.fafsa.gov. Students must file a FAFSA every year. Students who file applications as soon as possible after January 1 have an advantage since ATCC processes requests for aid as they are received. Assistance is available by contacting the Financial Aid Office.

Applying for financial aid is easy.

1. Get a PIN number.
   

   A PIN number is an electronic signature and much easier than trying to write your name with a mouse. If parent data is required for the FAFSA then at least one parent should request a PIN. You can request a PIN at: www.pin.ed.gov.

2. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
   

   The FAFSA must be be completed online at www.fafsa.gov. Here is a Pre-Application Worksheet to help you gather all of the information you will need to fill out the FAFSA.

   Returning students need to fill out the FAFSA each year.

   Alexandria Technical & Community College's code number to be used is: 005544.

Tips

Don't wait!

Financial aid is processed in the order the requests are received, you are encouraged to file the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1.

Federal Tax Returns.

You must use information from your and sometimes your parent's Federal Tax Return so make sure they have been completed before you fill out the FAFSA.

If you have been arrested, charged, or convicted of any criminal offense, you should investigate the impact the arrest, charge, or conviction may have on your chances of employment in the field you intend to study or on your chances to obtain federal, state, and other higher education financial aid.