FAFSA RESOURCES
You may have more questions or are hesitant to provide the required information to fill out the FAFSA. The following are some frequent misunderstandings students and their families have about the filling out the FAFSA.
Financial Aid Myths
Myth: My family makes too much money to get any aid; I’m not going to submit the FAFSA
Truth 1: There is no income cut-off for student aid, and a student’s eligibility is not based solely on family income. Many state financial aid programs, including Virginia’s, require completion of the FAFSA for consideration of state grants (many do not have income requirements).
Truth 2: Many colleges and universities require students to submit a FAFSA as part of consideration for merit aid, even if they require the CSS Profile.
Myth: The FAFSA requires too much information.
Truth: The FAFSA requires less information and has fewer questions than the CSS Profile.
Myth: My information will not be private.
Truth: Your income information is transferred DIRECTLY from the IRS to the FAFSA without manipulation. Any additional information required is entered by the student and parent and used ONLY to complete the form.
Myth: Information from me or my parents will be shared with government agencies.
Truth: The information you share while completing the FAFSA is used with your permission and is only used to calculate your eligibility and distribution to the schools on your list.
Myth: My parents aren’t willing to help me pay for college, so I am independent. Or I do not live with my parents, so I am independent.
Truth: Only students who meet the following criteria are considered independent students for the FAFSA:
- Married at the time the form is submitted
- Pursuing graduate education
- Currently serving on active duty in the Armed Forces
- Veteran of the US armed forces
- A parent or caretaker who provides more than half the financial support for someone other than a spouse
- Orphaned at any time since turning 13 years of age
- A ward of the court at any time since turning 13 years of age
- In foster care at any time since turning 13 years of age
- In a legal guardianship with someone other than your parent or stepparent as determined by a court
- A legally emancipated minor
- Homeless or self-supporting and at-risk of homelessness at any time after July 1 of the year you submit the FAFSA (July 1, 2024, for the 25-26 FAFSA)
Myth: My parent does not claim me on their taxes, so they will not need to provide information for my FAFSA.
Truth: Your parent, depending on your answers to questions on the Parent Wizard, may need to provide information for the FAFSA even if they don’t claim you on their taxes.
For Further Help Contact Us
Ms. Christine Miller
Director of College Advising
Office: King Street Campus, Room A-115, College & Career Wing
[email protected]
703-824-6685
Make an appointment with Ms. Miller at
https://calendly.com/sfa-christine-miller
Ms. Asta Jorgensen
SFA/VCAC College Adviser
Office: King Street Campus, Room A-117, College & Career Wing
[email protected]
703-824-6783
Make an appointment with Ms. Jorgensen at
https://calendly.com/
Ms. Alyssa Samuel
Director of Scholarships
Office: Minnie Howard Campus, Room 2006, L Wing
[email protected]
703-824-6750 ext. 2007
Make an appointment with Ms. Samuel at
https://calendly.com/alyssa-samuel
Ms. JaLynn Smith
SFA/VCAC College Adviser
Office: Minnie Howard Campus, Room 2006, L Wing
[email protected]
703-824-6750 ext. 2006
Make an appointment with Ms. Smith at
https://calendly.com/
