Financial Aid

Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

 

Obtaining your Federal Student Aid PIN

Your Federal Student Aid PIN can be used each year to electronically apply for aid with the FAFSA and to access your records online. Your PIN serves as your electronic signature and provides access to your personal records, so never give your PIN to anyone.

  • You may Apply For A PIN at any time, prior to completing the FAFSA, at www.pin.ed.gov.
  • You may continue to use the PIN each year; there is no need to reapply.
  • If you have lost or forgotten your PIN, you may Request A Duplicate PIN at www.pin.ed.gov.
  • If you are a dependent student, one parent is required to sign the FAFSA using a Federal Student Aid PIN. Parents may also Apply For A PIN at www.pin.ed.gov. Parents can use the same PIN to sign the application of multiple children from one year to the next.
  • The Office of Financial Aid does not have access to your PIN number.

Completing the FAFSA

Submit the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.gov by March 1 for each academic year. The FAFSA becomes available January 1.

  • Gather identification documents (social security cards, driver's licenses) for both the student and parents.
  • List Butler University (school code 001788) as a school selection on the FAFSA.
  • For the 2013-2014 FAFSA, use your 2012 W2s and federal tax returns to complete the financial information sections for the student and parents.
  • Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, if eligible (two weeks have passed since your electronic IRS filing).
  • If federal taxes cannot be complete prior to March 1, please complete with your best estimates. 
  • Complete the FAFSA accurately as directed in the instructions; leave no spaces/fields blank.
  • Print off the confirmation page and retain for your records.

Additional FAFSA Tips

  • Submit the FAFSA online between January 1 and March 1 each year to receive priority consideration of all aid programs. 
  • For Indiana residents, the FAFSA must be received by the Federal Processing Center on or before March 10 and be error-free by May 15 each year in order to be considered for Indiana state grant programs.
  • Use the student's name as it appears on the social security card.  Double check the social security number.
  • Male students must register with the Selective Service to be eligible for aid.  This can be done through the FAFSA by checking Register me.
  • Report the value of assets as of the day you complete the FAFSA.
  • Send a separate letter or email to the Office of Financial Aid if you have special circumstances not reflected on the FAFSA. 
  • The FAFSA must be completed each year.