A contributor is a new term on the 2024-25 FAFSA. A contributor is anyone who is required to provide consent and approval to have their federal tax information transferred directly from the IRS into the FAFSA form and provide a signature on the form. A contributor is:

• You, the student, and, if applicable, contributors may also include,
• Your spouse,
• Your parent,
• Your parent's spouse or partner

Watch this video to learn about contributors. Each contributor will need to create a StudentAid.gov account (see below) to enter their information and complete their section of the FAFSA. 

Starting with the 2024-25 FAFSA, you and each contributor will need to create a StudentAid.gov account to apply for, receive and manage your federal student aid.This will create an FSA ID (username and password) that is used to enter their information on the FAFSA and electronically sign the FAFSA. If you or a contributor have an FSA ID from a prior year, you will continue to use it.

Contributors who do not have a social security number must also create a StudentAid.gov account. Follow the instructions in the link below. Some individuals are experiencing issues starting or accessing the 2024-25 FAFSA. The U.S. Department of Education is aware of these issues and is working on resolutions.  

• How to Submit the 2024-25 FAFSA Form if Your Contributor Doesn't Have an SSN

Consent and approval are needed to retrieve and disclose federal tax information from each participant on the 2024-25 FAFSA. With consent and approval, the U.S. Department of Education obtains your federal tax information automatically from the IRS to help complete the FAFSA form. If consent and approval are not provided by the student and all contributors on the FAFSA form, the student will not be eligible for federal student aid, including grants and loans. All participants must provide consent and approval even if they didn’t file a U.S. federal tax return or any tax return at all.

The U.S. Department of Education will issue emails to contributors when they must complete their sections of the FAFSA and/or provide consent to for the transfer of their tax information.  Be sure to open these official emails and follow the instructions.

An incomplete 2024-25 FAFSA will be deleted after 45 days of inactivity. A FAFSA cannot be considered submitted until all required contributors have completed, signed, and submitted their sections. 

The Student Aid Index (SAI) is new to the 2024-25 FAFSA and replaces the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) when calculating financial need. The SAI is a result of the information provided by the student and their contributors on the FAFSA. SAI is an eligibility index that college financial aid staff use to determine how much financial aid you would receive if you were to attend their school. See more information about how aid is awarded. 

After all sections of the online FAFSA form are completed and submitted, you will receive a confirmation email noting your submission date, your estimated Student Aid Index – SAI (formerly called the Expected Family Contribution) and estimated Federal Pell Grant eligibility. You will also receive a FAFSA Submission Summary (formerly called the Student Aid Report) after ED processes the FAFSA information.

1.  Create a StudentAid.gov Account
If you have not done so already, you and each contributor will need to create a StudentAid.gov account. This will create an FSA ID (username and password) that is used to electronically sign your FAFSA. If you are a dependent student, a parent will also need to create a StudentAid.gov account.

If you or a contributor have an FSA ID from a prior year, you will continue to use it to reapply for financial aid each year. Watch this video on creating a StudentAid.gov account.

2.  Gather Information
You will need to have specific information available when completing the FAFSA. Watch this video and print the PDF below to gather your information.

• Information You'll Need FAFSA 2024-25.PDF
• Information You'll Need FAFSA 2023-24.PDF

We encourage you to complete the FAFSA as early as possible to maximize your chances of receiving assistance.

You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) every academic year.

• 2024-25 FAFSA (use 2022 federal tax information)
• 2023-24 FAFSA (use 2021 federal tax information)

Be sure to add Harper College's School Code: 003961 to ensure that your information is sent to Harper.

The FAFSA is available in English and Spanish. For assistance in English or Spanish, contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC).

Interpretation services are available for assistance in a different language. See information on requesting an interpreter.

There are follow-up steps for you to take after completing the FAFSA.

1.  Review the Student Aid Report (SAR) / FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS)
Once you submit the FAFSA, the U.S Department of Education emails a copy of the information you submitted on the FAFSA.  For 2023-24, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR).  For 2024-25, you will receive a confirmation email and FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS). You may also view your SAR/FSS online. If there are any errors or rejections noted on the SAR/FSS, promptly follow the instructions to make the corrections. You may request assistance from Harper College with making corrections.

2.  Complete and Submit Requested Documents to Harper College
We may request additional forms and documents to verify your eligibility and the information you provided on the FAFSA. You must submit these within the Federal verification and disbursement deadlines. Failure to provide this information and respond to discrepancies may result in you not receiving financial aid.

We send financial aid requirements and other important information via email. You can view your outstanding requirements in the Finances tab on the MyHarper Portal. Click on View my Financial Aid Checklist and Details and then select the appropriate aid year. Follow the instructions and include the required signatures. While reviewing your information, corrections may be required to your FAFSA and these will be made by the financial aid staff.

3.  Complete the Title IV Authorization Form
Every student receiving federal student aid is required to complete the Title IV Authorization Form each year. This form is in your requirements in the Finances tab on the MyHarper Portal.

4.  Receive a Financial Aid Notification.
Harper College will email you a Financial Aid Notification with information about your financial aid for the academic year.