How to Renew a FAFSA

It is spring again, and with spring comes FAFSA filing time for college students. There are a couple of ways that you can renew your FAFSA. This can be accomplished online from the comfort of your home, or in person at your school's Financial Aid office.

To renew a FAFSA online, simply visit the website, located at www.fafsa.ed.gov. If you've already filed a FAFSA in the past, you should have a PIN number, which you will need to renew your FAFSA. If you don't have a PIN number, or have forgotten your PIN, you can reset it online. Once you enter your identifying information (name, social security number, birthdate and PIN), you can then fill out a renewal FAFSA in about 15 minutes. Make sure you have your 2008 tax information on hand, as you will need this information to complete your FAFSA.

You may also renew your FAFSA in person at your college or university's Financial Aid office. Financial Aid counselors are on hand to help you through the process. Your school may utilize computers to help you file online, or some schools may still allow you to do a paper FAFSA. Make sure you take your 2008 tax information with you, as you will need this information to complete your FAFSA.

You must have a current FAFSA to be eligible to receive grants and student loans. Many scholarships also require a current FAFSA. Most financial aid requires the FAFSA to be filed prior to March 1, so time is running out. File your renewal FAFSA today, to make sure you get the financial aid that you need.