Filing your FAFSA is easier with resources! Follow the links below if you need help.

• tnAchieves FAFSA One Pager

• FAFSA Line-By-Line Webinars (CollegeForTN.org)

• FAFSA Facts

Federal Student Aid Contact:

• Live Chat

• Phone: 1-800-433-3243

Prior to FAFSA completion, the student and the student’s parent must create a username and password at StudentAid.gov. This is the only site for StudentAid.gov account creation. The student and parent must have two working email accounts to create an account. The email addresses cannot be the same for the student and parent. It is recommended that students use a personal email address instead of a high school email as the email could be deactivated after graduation. Since the StudentAid.gov Account is the student and parent’s electronic signature, it is important that this information is stored in a secure place for future reference should changes need to be made after FAFSA submission.

1. Gather Necessary Information: Before starting the application, gather the necessary documents outlined here.

2. Create or Retrieve Your StudentAid.gov Account: A StudentAid.gov Account (username & password) is required for both the student and one parent. Create it at studentaid.gov at least a few days before filing—your Social Security number must be verified. Remember to save your login info in a secure place; you’ll use it every year.

3. Visit the Official FAFSA Website: Go to the official website at StudentAid.gov to begin the application process. Be sure to select the 2026-2027 FAFSA when filing. Deadline: April 1, 2026

4. Choose Your Schools: You’ll be asked to list schools you’re interested in attending (list up to 20 different schools). These schools will receive your FAFSA results and will use the information to determine the financial aid they can offer you. Tip: Add the college you will attend in fall 2026 to the number one spot on this list.

5. Dependency Status: The FAFSA will determine if you are a dependent or independent student based upon your answers to questions within the personal circumstances section. Dependent students must provide parent financial information.

6. Fill Out Financial Information: Use the documents you’ve gathered to provide accurate financial information. By providing student and parent financial information, you are determining the federal and state financial aid you qualify for. Tip: Most users will have their financial information automatically transferred by the IRS Direct Data Exchange (DDX) instead of typing in tax info reducing errors and saving time!

7. Review, Sign and Submit: Once you have completed all sections, you will need to sign the FAFSA. If you’re a dependent student, you will invite your parent(s) to complete separate section(s) of the FAFSA. The 2026-2027 FAFSA will be considered finished once all sections (student AND parent) have been successfully completed, signed and submitted.

8. Save Your Confirmation: Save and/or print the confirmation page with your confirmation number and Student Aid Index (SAI) estimate. This is your proof that the FAFSA was filed successfully.

9. Review Your FAFSA Submission Summary: When your FAFSA processes, you’ll receive a FAFSA Submission Summary summarizing the information you provided. Review this for any errors, make corrections if necessary and save for your records.

10. Stay Informed: Check the status of your FAFSA, and make sure to respond to any requests from schools or the federal government for additional information. Remember, you will file the FAFSA every year you are in college, so keep up with those StudentAid.gov Account details!

By following these steps and ensuring accuracy in your information, you maximize your chances of receiving the most federal and state financial aid for which you’re eligible and maintain TN Promise scholarship eligibility.