2008–09 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Distribution Update
Attention: Change in Distribution for 2008–09
For 2008–09 paper FAFSAs will not be available for order in bulk. Students will be able to obtain a paper FAFSA by calling the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) or by visiting www.edpubs.org. Students may request up to three copies of the paper application and should receive their FAFSAs in three to seven business days.
New for 2008–09 is a PDF version of the FAFSA that students can submit for processing. Beginning in mid-November the PDF will be available for download on various Federal Student Aid Web sites, such as www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov. Students can access the PDF, complete the form on the computer or by hand, and mail it to the address provided for processing. Schools will also be able to access the PDF from www.FSAPubs.org.
With your support, we will continue to encourage students to use the online method for filing the application. The FAFSA on the Web Worksheet, the most effective tool students can use to facilitate the online application process, will still be available for bulk order by schools. In addition, Federal Student Aid has several promotional publications that list application resources, explain how students can file the FAFSA, and provide tips for completing the application. In mid-November, we will include some of these items in our Toolkit mailing to all high schools, libraries, and other community organizations on our mailing list.
Why We Made This Change
While we have successfully decreased reliance on the paper FAFSA over the last several years, until now, Federal Student Aid has continued to print and distribute millions of unused paper forms to schools each year. Approximately 500,000 paper FAFSAs have been processed to date for 2007–08. For the same period in 2006–07, there were 778,000 forms processed. These numbers represent almost a 50 percent decline in the number of paper applications processed. Understanding the importance of this trend, Federal Student Aid concluded that our new distribution strategy not only reduces waste and costs, it also provides students with viable alternatives for completing and submitting the FAFSA.
Help Us Keep in Touch With You
We plan to increase our use of e-mail as a communication vehicle; please visit www.FSAPubs.org and check your account information to confirm that we have the correct e-mail address for you. FSAPubs is the one-stop source for ordering all of Federal Student Aid’s free publications. Please review the attachment for information on a few of our most popular publications.
Thank you again for your continued support in moving to alternate methods of completing the FAFSA. If you have any questions or comments about the information provided in this letter, please e-mail us at FAFSA.Comments@ed.gov.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Douglas
General Manager, Student Aid Awareness and Applicant Services
Federal Student Aid, Department of Education
Page 1 of Attachment: 2008–09 Publications Update
Let’s begin with a review of some of the publications available for 2008-09. Each section contains a brief publication description, information on the intended audience, the date that you may order, the date the item will begin shipping, and the strategy for distribution of the publication. For a full listing of publications available, visit www.FSAPubs.org.
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2008–09 FAFSA on the Web Worksheet
(Also available in Spanish and Braille) |
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The Worksheet is the appropriate tool to assist students and parents completing the FAFSA online. Over 95 percent of FAFSA applications are submitted on the Web, and the Worksheet provides students and parents the opportunity to gather the information needed before sitting down at the computer. The Worksheet follows the flow and logic of the online application and is therefore the appropriate tool for Web filers. |
Intended Audience: |
Students and Parents |
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Date Available for Order: |
October 15th |
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Shipping Will Begin: |
Mid November |
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Strategy for Distribution: |
Order at www.FSAPubs.org or call 1-800-394-7084.
Worksheets will not be mailed automatically. |
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2008–09 Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
(Also available in Spanish and Braille) |
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This free application is used to apply for federal, state and institutional grants, work-study and loans. This paper application is available for those who do not have Internet access. The FAFSA collects financial and other information used to calculate an Expected Family Contribution (EFC). |
Intended Audience:
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Students and Parents |
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Date Available for Order: |
PDF version available for download November 15th |
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Shipping Will Begin:
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Not Applicable |
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Strategy for Distribution: |
Not available for bulk order; Limited quantities available by special request. Visit www.FSAPubs.org or call 1-800-394-7084.
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Do You Need Money for College? Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
(Also available in Spanish) |
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This brochure explains the options for obtaining and completing the FAFSA. Also included are tips for completing the application and information on how to get free help online, by phone, or in person. |
Intended Audience: |
Students and Parents |
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Date Available for Order:
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October 15th |
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Shipping Will Begin: |
Early November |
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Strategy for Distribution:
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Order at www.FSAPubs.org or call 1-800-394-7084. |
Page 2 of Attachment: 2008–09 Publications Update
FAFSA on the Web Poster |
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This 11 X 17 full-color poster encourages students to apply for federal student aid using FAFSA on the Web. The poster also encourages students to apply on time, beginning January 1st. The poster also includes a blank box in which counselors can write specific state deadlines. |
Intended Audience: |
Students and Parents |
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Date Available for Order:
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Available Now |
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Shipping Will Begin:
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Immediately
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Strategy for Distribution:
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Order at www.FSAPubs.org or call 1-800-394-7084. |
Page 3 of Attachment: 2008–09 Publications Update
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2008–09 Funding Education Beyond High School : The Guide to Federal Student Aid
(Also available in Spanish and Braille) |
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This book is the most comprehensive resource for high school students, college students, parents, and nontraditional students. The publication includes an overview of the federal student aid application process as well as detailed steps for taking action during each phase. In addition, the glossary clarifies financial aid terminology. |
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Intended Audience: |
Students and Parents |
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Date Available for Order:
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October 15th |
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Shipping Will Begin: |
Mid-November |
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Strategy for Distribution: |
Order at www.FSAPubs.org or call 1-800-394-7084 |
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Counselors And Mentors Handbook on Federal Student Aid
(Also available in Spanish at www.fsa4counselors.ed.gov) |
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Provides useful information to help high school and TRIO counselors and other mentors advise students about federal student aid. Included are handouts on a variety of topics, from financial aid scams, to independent status, to the Federal Student Aid PIN. |
Intended Audience: |
High School, TRIO, and GEAR UP counselors and other mentors |
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Date Available for Order:
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October 15th |
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Shipping Will Begin:
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Early November |
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Strategy for Distribution: |
One copy of the Handbook will be mailed to each organization.
For additional quantities, order at www.FSAPubs.org or
call 1-800-394-7084. |