Applying for Aid

The FAFSA process has changed due to the FAFSA Simplification Act. The FAFSA form is available to complete at studentaid.gov as of Dec. 31, 2023.

What's changing?

• The FAFSA form is now simpler, with fewer questions.
• Student and contributor tax information will be retrieved through a direct data exchange with the IRS once consent has been granted.
• The Student Aid Index (SAI) is a new calculation that will replace the Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

Institutions are not expected to receive FAFSA results until mid-March. The Financial Aid Office will be communicating with students and families with updated information as we receive it.

Step 1: Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

You must complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for federal student aid and to apply for most state and college aid. Completing this application early will benefit all students. The application can be completed by logging onto studentaid.gov.

The student and one parent must have an FSA ID to sign the FAFSA form electronically. If you do not have an FSA ID, you can apply for one at https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch before beginning the online FAFSA. Once you receive your FSA ID, you can then electronically sign your FAFSA when you submit your information.

You will need the following information to complete the FAFSA:

• Your Social Security Number and your parents’ Social Security Numbers if you are providing parent information
• Your driver’s license number if you have one
• Your Alien Registration Number if you are not a U.S. citizen
• Federal tax information or tax returns (including IRS W-2 information) for yourself (and spouse if you are married) and for your parents if you are providing parent information
• Records of untaxed income, such as Social Security benefits, welfare benefits (e.g; TANF), and veterans benefits, for yourself, and your parents if you are providing parent information; and information on savings, investments, and business and farm assets for yourself, and your parents if you are providing parent information.
• Wayne State College’s Title IV Code: 002566 

NOTE: If you are filing the 2024-25 FAFSA, you will need 2022 tax returns. This FAFSA applies to Fall 2024 and Spring/Summer 2025.

Step 2: Make any Necessary Corrections to the FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS)

Once you have filed your FAFSA, your information will be processed by Federal Student Aid, and your Student Aid Index (SAI) will be determined based on the information you provide on your application.

Once completed, a FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS) will be generated – usually within 7-10 days of submitting your FAFSA. The FSS is a summary of the information you entered on the FAFSA. Be sure to review the FSS for any errors. You can make any necessary corrections online via the FAFSA website. If no corrections are needed, keep a printed copy of your FSS for reference. 

Step 3: Review Your Financial Aid Award Notice

Our financial aid administrators use your FSS and other information you have provided to prepare a financial aid offer package for you. Depending on the types and amount of financial aid for which you are eligible, your financial aid package may include a mixture of grants, scholarships, work-study programs, college-sponsored aid, and/or loans, and will be communicated to you in the form of a Financial Aid Award Notice. 

Once your file is complete, an email will be sent to your to your WSC account with instructions on how to access your award package through WildcatsOnline.

Step 4: Accept or Decline Your Awards 

Log in to WildcatsOnline to review your awards. To receive your funds, you must accept your offer(s), complete required steps for Direct Stafford Loans (if applicable), maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress, and be enrolled at least half-time.

To ensure receipt of all funds offered, please read and respond promptly to the financial aid offer notification. Check your status! Information about your application status, eligibility, and awards can be accessed at any time in WildcatsOnline.

WARNING! Be wary of organizations charging a fee to submit your application or to find you money for school. In general, the help you pay for can be obtained for free from your school or from the U. S. Department of Education.

Step 5: Complete Your Master Promissory Note and Entrance Loan Counseling

If you have not completed these two steps in prior years, you will need to go to studentaid.gov and log in with your FSA ID username and password. You will then click I'm a Student and go to the Complete MPN link. Select "Start" next to "I'm an Undergraduate Student" and proceed as directed.

You will also need to click the Complete Entrance Counseling link. You will select "Start" and proceed as directed. It will take a few business days to bring these two completed items into our system.