FAFSA

While the application process may seem pretty straightforward, we want to make sure you know as much information as possible before you begin. Deadlines and financial situations may make this process seem stressful, but being well-prepared for filling out your FAFSA is a great way to start on the right foot.

• Complete a FAFSA form online via our application portal.
• Create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID to confirm your identity when accessing your financial aid information and sign FSA documents.
• Use the Gallaudet school code 001443 to ensure your information is sent straight to the university.
• It is crucial to list your correct name, Social Security number, and birth date on the FAFSA.
• The FAFSA will provide a section for you or your parent(s) to input tax information depending on your “dependent” status.
• Make sure you have the correct information. Failure to follow through with entering revised approximations on your tax form could cause your FAFSA to be rejected.
• If you are a dependent student applying for a loan, the FAFSA also requires a parental signature. Without that signature, your FAFSA will be rejected.

Follow these steps, gather the proper documents, and you’re well on your way to earning financial aid.

• Within three days to three weeks of submitting the FAFSA, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) summary of your application. The SAR gives you a chance to double-check the information you put in your FAFSA and make any corrections, if necessary.
• Once your FAFSA has been received, reviewed, and you have been admitted to Gallaudet, you can expect to receive a financial aid award letter in the mail to inform you how much you will be receiving for the upcoming year.
• The Department of Education selects some FAFSA submissions for an additional step called verification. Once notified, you will need to follow any action steps and provide information to verify your FAFSA and receive your aid.
• When additional documents are required, the Financial Aid Office will contact you by email. You can also log into your BISON account to view a list of needed documents. Applicants selected for verification will receive an estimated financial award letter.
• Finally, once the Financial Aid Office has received all documents, you can expect to receive your financial aid promptly.

• Gallaudet sends all correspondence about financial aid directly to students. You are responsible for sharing any needed information with parents or guardians.
• Students have 24/7 access to their financial aid information in BISON, where they can activate the GU parent(s) Access Feature under the BISON Self Service menu.
• Students may also grant access to their student account by adding authorized payers in GallyPay.
• If you have any questions about financial aid, contact the Office of Financial Aid.