Applying for Financial Aid

To be considered for most of the federal student aid programs a student must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  This application collects financial and other information used to calculate the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which College of Saint Mary uses to determine the student's eligibility for aid.  Be sure to include our school code 002540 on your FAFSA so we receive the results. 

  

The quickest and most accurate way for a student to file their FAFSA is electronically through FAFSA on the Web (available in both English and Spanish).  Students will need to file a FAFSA every year that they are in school (on or after January 1st of each year).  College of Saint Mary's academic year begins with the Fall Semester and ends with the Summer semester. 

  

But before you get started! 

  

Get your PIN: We recommend that students and parents save time by requesting identification numbers call PINs before the student applies for aid.  Students and parents can use their PIN for the electronic signature on their FAFSA.  The PIN must be requested online at www.pin.ed.gov.  The PIN remains valid indefinitely. 

  

Documents needed to complete the FAFSA: 

• Copy of Social Security card for student and parents
• Driver's licenses
• Federal income tax returns for student and parents
• W-2's
• Current bank statements
• Records of untaxed income (such as welfare benefits, Social Security, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), etc.)
• Records of any stocks, bonds, and other investments and assets

  

Time to apply: The address for FAFSA on the Web is www.fafsa.ed.gov.  Remember this is a "free" application. 

• FAFSA on the Web contains informational text at the beginning of each section to assist the student in completing the form.
• "Skip logic" automatically omits questions that do not apply to the student.
• "Built-in edits" help students detect and correct any errors before submitting the data.
• Be sure to include College of Saint Mary's school code 002540.
• Students do not have to complete a FAFSA on the Web in one sitting.  At the beginning of the process, the student is asked to supply a password.  If the student is interrupted or needs to leave the application before completing it, the information will be saved and will remain available via the password for 45 days. 
• Providing the PIN at the beginning will serve as the student's signature, eliminating the need for the student to mail a signature page. 
• At the end of the application, a dependent student's parent may sign electronically using his or her own PIN.
• FAFSA's not signed electronically will be rejected if not signed and submitted within 14 days.
• Submit the FAFSA electronically.
• Print the confirmation page for your records.

  

 

Don't have a computer?  Students are welcome to use the 2 computers available in CSM Express Center for submitting their FAFSA.  Please call Financial Aid at CSM Express Center at (402) 399-2362 to make an appointment. 

  

Applying by paper application method:  Please contact CSM Express Center to obtain a paper FAFSA.  Complete the paper FAFSA and submit it for processing using the accompanying envelope.  Photocopies or faxes of the FAFSA will not be accepted.  Students should keep a photocopy of the completed form for their own records.  

  

Estimated Family Contribution (EFC):  As you research financial aid options, you are going to hear the term Estimated Family Contribution (EFC).  The EFC is a calculated estimate of how much you and your parents can contribute toward college costs.  The result is based on data such as income and assets, family size, and the number of family members attending college.  To find out your EFC, please click here and then click on Estimator.  This will help you begin planning for your college financing.