There are two main ways designed to help you complete your FAFSA. This includes:

1. Download the myStudentAid app (available on iOS (Links to an external site.) and Android (Links to an external site.)) and conveniently fill it out on a mobile device.
2. Visit fafsa.gov (Links to an external site.) to complete the FAFSA form on your mobile device or laptop

NOTE: If you are applying for Winter/January or Spring/April Quarter:

Please make sure that you select the 2019-2020 FASA.

If you are applying for Summer/July or Fall/October quarters:

Please make sure that you select the 2020-2021 FAFSA

Step 2. Register for the VFAO

The Virtual Financial Aid Office will help make sure you get the correct amount of financial assistance for school.

Create an account on the VFAO site and fill out a short interview.

Once you are logged onto the Virtual Financial Aid Office (VFAO), it will ask you whether or not you have completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2019-2020 (or the 2020-2021 if applying for Summer 2020 quarter or later) academic school year. After you select your answer, you can then follow the instructions to proceed through the entire Student Interview process on VFAO.

Step 3. Complete Loan Counseling

You are required to complete entrance counseling to ensure you understand the responsibilities and obligations you are taking on if you have never previously received a Direct Loan or Federal Family Education Loan (FEEL).

Undergraduate Students: The entrance counseling will fulfill counseling requirements for Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans.

Graduate/Professional Student: The entrance counseling will fulfill counseling requirements for Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and Direct PLUS Loans.

Time Frame: The Counseling Process typically takes 20-30 minutes and must be completed in one session.

Information Needed/Prepared:

• Verified FSA ID
• School Name
• Details on your income, financial aid, and living expenses

Click here to start your loan counseling.

Step 4. Sign MPN

What is a Subsidized/Unsubsidized Master Promissory Note (MPN)?

The Subsidized/Unsubsidized Master Promissory Note (MPN) is a legal document in which you promise to repay your federal student loan(s) and any accrued interest and fees to your lender or loan holder.

There is one MPN for Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans and a different MPN for Direct PLUS Loans.

Most schools are authorized to make multiple federal student loans under one MPN for up to 10 years. 

Click here to get started on your MPN