Instructions for Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) 2008-2009 Academic Year

Printable version of Instructions for Completing the FAFSA - 2008-2009 academic year (PDF)

If you do not have a PIN, apply at www.pin.ed.gov. The PIN (personal identification number) will serve as a signature when submitting your FAFSA to the federal processor. You will use this PIN later in order to make corrections to your FAFSA, view the status of your FAFSA and file a FAFSA for future years. Without a PIN, you can complete the FAFSA online, but you must still print a signature page and send it to the federal processor before your FAFSA will be accepted and processed.

If you are a returning applicant and have a PIN, you can use it to access your pre-filled Renewal FAFSA application by selecting "Fill out FAFSA" from the FAFSA on the Web home page (www.fafsa.ed.gov). You can request that your PIN be sent to you, if you (or your parents) have forgotten or misplaced the PIN by logging onto www.pin.ed.gov. If you are a dependent student, your parent will also have to sign. Only one parent needs to sign the application. Your parent(s) may apply for a PIN at www.pin.ed.gov in order to electronically sign your application and eliminate the need to print and mail a signature page. Parents can use the same PIN to sign the application of multiple children from one year to the next.

Special note: The Office of Financial Aid does not have access to your PIN number.

Preparing to Complete the FAFSA

Gather 2007 federal tax returns, W2s, and the enclosed 2008-2009 FAFSA on the Web Worksheet. When completing the FAFSA on the web at www.fafsa.ed.gov, we recommend using the FAFSA on the Web Worksheet and completing all information using your 2007 federal tax returns & W2s before submitting the application online. Keep a copy of your application for your records. Do not use a paper FAFSA because the question numbers on the paper FAFSA and the FAFSA on the web do not correspond.

FAFSA on the Web Worksheet (PDF)

Completing the FAFSA

Complete the 2008-2009 FAFSA by using FAFSA on the web - www.fafsa.ed.gov.

• Complete the FAFSA accurately as directed in the instructions; leave no spaces/fields blank.
• List Butler University (school code 001788) in the college release section on the FAFSA.
• Send a separate letter to Butler University if you have special circumstances not reflected on the FAFSA.

Special note: A FAFSA must be completed each year for federal, state, and Butler assistance (e.g., Butler Grant). The FAFSA must be completed even if you are applying for student loans only.

Submitting the FAFSA

Submit the FAFSA by March 1, 2008, Butler University's priority application date for the 2008-2009 academic year.

• Complete the FAFSA and mail or submit it online between January 1 and February 20, 2008 to meet Butler’s March 1 priority date.
• For Indiana residents, the FAFSA must be received by the Federal Processing Center by March 10, 2008 in order to be considered for Indiana state grant programs.
• Do not mail the paper FAFSA to Butler University.
• Do not mail the FAFSA on the Web Worksheet.

For Your Records

When applying on-line, make sure you print out the confirmation page provided at the end of your submission and provide an e-mail address to the federal processor when asked. When mailing a paper FAFSA, obtain a Certificate of Mailing from the post office to verify the date your application was sent to the processor. Keep your confirmation number or Certificate of Mailing with a copy of your application and PIN for future reference.

FAFSA Questions for 5th year Physicians Assistant and 5th and 6th year Pharmacy Students

Professional/graduate level students need to file the FAFSA using only student income and tax information, leaving parent information blank. This change in filing will increase the Federal Stafford Loan eligibility to graduate student levels. However, state and federal grants will expire after four years of enrollment.

The following question numbers and appropriate answers pertain to pharmacy students entering the 5th and 6th year of the program only!

What degree or certificate will you be working on during 2008-2009?
A: graduate/professional

What will be your grade level when you begin the 2008-2009 school year?
A: 1st year graduate/professional

Will you have your first bachelor's degree before July 1, 2008?
A: If you do not hold a prior bachelor's degree, mark "No" Note: This may create a flag on your Student Aid Reports, but that is not a problem.

Will you be working on a master's or doctorate program during the school year 2008-2009?
A: Mark "Yes," and complete all sections of the application pertaining to you, the student.