FSA ID
Beginning May 10, 2015, the Federal Student Aid PIN will be replaced with an FSA ID.
To eliminate the need for individuals to enter personal identifiers (Social Security number, name, and date of birth) when accessing Federal Student Aid’s systems, Federal Student Aid has implemented a new login process for student and borrower websites, including FAFSA on the Web, NSLDS® Student Access, StudentLoans.gov and StudentAid.gov.
The new FSA ID, comprised of a user-selected username and password, has replaced the Federal Student Aid PIN as the process by which students, parents, and borrowers authenticate their identity to access their federal student aid information.
- Existing users may link their PIN information to the FSA ID. More information here.
- Student and parents of dependents students can create the FSA ID here.
- How to create an FSA ID
The FSA ID process consists of three main steps:
- Enter your log-in information.
- Provide your e-mail address, a unique username, and password, and verify that you are at least 18 years old.
- Enter your personal information.
- Provide your Social Security number, name, and date of birth.
- Include your mailing address, e-mail address, telephone number, and language preference.
- For security purposes, provide answers to four challenge questions.
- Submit your FSA ID information.
- Agree to the terms and conditions.
- Verify your e-mail address. (Note: By verifying your e-mail address, you can use your e-mail address as your username when logging into certain ED websites. This verification also allows you to retrieve your username or reset your password without answering challenge questions.)
How do I apply for FAFSA?
- Go to www.fafsa.gov and click on “Start A New FAFSA”
- Complete and electronically submit the free application, FAFSA
- Federal School Code for Columbia College is 041273
- Refer to Deadline for FAFSA at Columbia College
What information do I need to fill out the FAFSA?
As you complete the FAFSA, you should have the following records available to help you answer questions on the application: Prepare the following information to apply for the FAFSA
- Social Security Number
- Driver’s license (if any)
- Permanent Resident Card (if you are not a U.S citizen), I-94 (if you are a refugee or an asylee)
- 2020 income tax return & W-2 & Other income records
- Parents’ 2020 income tax return (if you are a dependent student)
- Current bank statements
- Current stock, bond, and other investment records