’)If you’re ready to pursue your online criminal justice degree but are strapped for cash, the first step you’ll need to take is to complete the Free Application for Federal Financial Aid. You’ll want to do this as soon as you’ve received your 2009 W-2 Forms, as well as any other records of money earned in the last calendar year.
Before you get started, you’ll need to collect the following items and information:
1. Your Social Security Number
2. Your Driver’s License, if applicable
3. 2009 W-2 Forms, as well as other records of money earned in the previous year
4. If you’re married, you’ll also need your spouse’s Federal Income Tax Return.
5. If you’re a dependent student, you’ll need a copy of your parents’ 2009 Federal Income Tax Return.
6. 2009 untaxed income records, such as worker’s compensation, child support, veteran’s benefits (non-education)
7. Current bank statements
8. Current business and investment mortgage information, business and farm records, stock, bond, and other investment records
9. If you’re not a U.S. citizen, you’ll need your alien registration or permanent resident card.
If you choose to complete the FAFSA online, be sure to submit your completed application no later than midnight (Central Time), June 30, 2010. Your best bet is to complete it as soon as you have access to all the required information. That way, you won’t get caught by surprise at the last minute.
The Process of Completing a FAFSA
For fastest results, you’ll want to complete the online FAFSA. Once you’ve completed it, you should have a response within 3-5 days. If you complete your form offline and mail it, it could take up to three weeks to get a response. Since errors do occur and you may be asked to give additional information or make corrections, it’s best to apply early.
The Free Federal Financial Student Aid website will walk you through the process. If you have questions, you may contact customer service with the online form or call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243). Hearing impaired applicants may use the TTY line at 1-800-730-8913.
How Long Does it Take to Complete the FAFSA?
Depending on the amount of information you’ll need to disclose, it could take anywhere between 40 minutes up to two hours to complete the forms. That’s why you’ll want to have all of your information handy so you can complete it in one sitting and submit it.
Don’t Pay for FAFSA Assistance
You may see websites that offer to help you with the FAFSA process for a fee. Don’t use them. You can get all the assistance you need through the FAFSA site alone.
If you need financial aid to fund your criminal justice degree, the first step is to complete the Free Federal Financial Student Aid form. Even if you do not qualify for federal aid programs, most colleges require that you complete the FAFSA in order to qualify for other types of financial assistance.
