FAFSA Information

Dear BNL Seniors & Guardians,

During the 2023 legislative session, the Indiana General Assembly passed Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 167-2023 which requires high school seniors to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or affirmatively opt out of filing a waiver.

Indiana joins several other states with FAFSA legislation in hopes of raising the numbers of students who attend post-secondary education. Filing the FAFSA is the first step toward accessing over $400 million in state financial aid and billions of dollars in federal aid. Indiana high school graduates left $76 million in Pell Grant funds on the table in 2023 by not completing the FAFSA.

Completing the FAFSA is an important step in a postsecondary education. Students pursuing short-term certificate training, associate/bachelor’s degrees and even some apprenticeships may receive financial aid by completing the FAFSA. Any student, regardless of income, who wants to be considered for federal, state, and school financial aid programs should complete the form. This includes grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans. You must apply for aid every year.

It takes most people less than one hour to fill out the FAFSA form, including gathering any personal documents and financial information needed to complete it. You will need the following information to complete the form.
● Verified account username and password (FSA ID)
● Parent or spouse contributor name, date of birth, Social Security number, and email address
● Income and asset information (if required)

The easiest way to file the FAFSA is online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa Remember, filing the FAFSA is always free. The FAFSA will never require a fee to apply. Indiana’s FAFSA deadline is June 30th, 2025. While applications can still be submitted after that deadline, financial aid is provided on a first-come, first-served basis after this date. It is strongly recommended to file the FAFSA as soon as possible. The earlier the FAFSA is submitted, the quicker colleges can send personalized financial aid packages. This will provide more time to compare options to guide decisions for the future.

Need help with the FAFSA?
● The Indiana Commission for Higher Education’s Outreach Coordinators are available to assist students, families, and educators across the state. Find an interactive map and contact the nearest Outreach Coordinator by visiting www.learnmoreindiana.org/contact.
● The U.S. Department of Education provides email and live chat assistance for FAFSA filers as well as a helpline at 1-800-4-FED-AID.
● Access free FAFSA help through INvestEd at www.investedindiana.org or https://learnmoreindiana.org/paying-for-college/fafsa/.
● Higher education institutions around the state are hosting FAFSA filing events for students and families. College Goal Sunday is scheduled for February 25th from 2-4pm. Please create your FAFSA ID today in order to be ready. To view the upcoming events calendar, visit www.learnmoreindiana.org.
● BNL will also host a FAFSA Workshop in February!

 

Students & Families who do not wish to file the FAFSA may opt out in one of the following ways.
● a parent/guardian of the student submits a FAFSA Waiver Form certifying the student understands what the
FAFSA is and declines to complete it;
● the student, if the student is an emancipated minor or is at least 18 years old, submits a signed waiver certifying the student understands what the FAFSA is and declines to complete it.
● https://www.in.gov/che/files/FINAL-2025-26-FAFSA-Opt-Out-Waiver.pdf