FAFSA On-line

Students without computers may access FAFSA on-line through the Financial Aid Resource Center. Ask about it at the Financial Aid Office or call 575-538-6173 for an appointment.

Students with their own PC equipped with a Windows operating system and a modem can also transmit an electronic FAFSA to the Department of Education. The address is http://www.ed.gov/offices/OPE/express.html.

Important: If a FAFSA is filed electronically, and you do not have your PIN, a Signature/Certification page must be printed, signed, and if applicable have the student's parent(s) sign it. Then mail the page to the FAFSA Processor to complete the application process.

Internet Process

With Internet access, instructions can be downloaded on how to complete the FAFSA at the following address: http://studentaid.ed.gov/students/publications/completing_fafsa/index.html

Duplicate Student Aid Report

If a FAFSA was completed current academic year and WNMU was not listed as a possible school of choice, the student must request a duplicate SAR. See the section on "How To Request a Duplicate SAR" below.

Whichever process is chosen, please follow the directions carefully, paying special attention to the "Student Status" section and to any questions on income.

Completing the FAFSA

If a current federal tax return was filed by the student, it must be used to complete the "Income, Earnings and Benefits" section of the application since it requests specific information from the tax return. If a student did not file a tax return, don't worry, a federal tax return is not required to receive financial aid. But if a student did file, any significant difference between the income reported on your tax return and the income reported on the FAFSA could prompt a correction, which will delay processing. If you intend to file a income tax return but have not yet done so, wait until you have completed it before you complete your financial aid application. If you are a dependent, the same advice applies: wait until your parent(s) have completed the federal income tax returns before completing your financial aid application.

Other useful records to have on hand while completing a FAFSA are W-2 forms, current bank statements, and, if applicable, records of benefits received from the Social Security Administration, Veterans Administration, Aid to Families with Dependent Children, and other agencies. Do not mail any of these documents with the FAFSA, but do save any records and other materials used to complete the application for future reference. See section on "Financial Aid Tips" on next page.
Financial aid staff are available to help review and complete financial aid applications before being mailed. Contact the Financial Aid Office for an appointment.

Incorrect Information

If federal financial aid is received based on incorrect information; the portion of the aid that the student is ineligible for must be repaid. Also, any person who intentionally makes false statements or misrepresentations on a federal aid application is violating the law and subject to a fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment for up to five years or both, under provisions of the U.S. Criminal Code.