How to Apply for Financial Aid

How to apply for financial aid: a step-by-step guide to the FAFSA

Finding the appropriate funds to secure a higher education can feel overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be when you get your financial aid application done. Use our easy-to-follow guide to complete your FAFSA and get one step closer to making your education affordable.

1. Create an account to get your FSA ID

The FSA ID must be used to log in to certain US Department of Education websites. Your FSA ID confirms your identity when you access your financial aid information and electronically sign Federal Student Aid documents.

• If you do not already have an FSA ID, you can make one by creating an account using the buttons above. For more information about FSA IDs, reference this FAFSA guide (PDF).
• You won’t be able to use your FSA ID until your FSA ID information is verified. This can take a few days.

• Previously, a Social Security Number (SSN) was required to obtain an FSA ID. However, contributors on the FAFSA that do not have an SSN can now obtain a FSA ID. For instructions on creating a FSA ID without a SSN, reference this guide. Instructions in Spanish can be found in this guide. For instructions on how to submit the FAFSA form if your contributor doesn't have an SSN, view the information on studentaid.gov.

2. Prepare your required documents

Once you’ve created an account, you’re ready to get started with the FAFSA form. Before filling out the application, make sure you have the necessary documents.

2025/2026 and 2024/2025 FAFSA

• Federal income tax returns and schedules for 2023 (for 25/26), and 2022 (for 24/25).
• W-2 forms for 2023 (for 25/26), and 2022 (for 24/25).
• Records of any untaxed benefits received in 2023 (for 25/26) and 2022 (for 24/25).
• Current bank statements.
• Records of other savings and investments such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds (not including retirement or pension accounts.

If you’re a 2025/26 or 2024/25 FAFSA applicant, check to see if you need to upload any additional documents by logging in to the appropriate student portal. Whether you’re a prospective or returning student, you’ll use Workday to verify your financial aid eligibility and view any pending action items.

Changes to 2025 and 2024 timelines

The financial aid packaging timeline has been impacted by delays in delivering financial aid information to colleges by the U.S. Department of Education due to necessary updates to the federal processing system. These updates are crucial to ensure that students receive the most accurate and up-to-date financial aid awards possible.

Need help? We're here for you!

We have provided some answers to questions on our main financial aid page.

If you've encountered difficulties submitting your FAFSA or have any questions about financial aid, please don't hesitate to contact our dedicated Financial Aid office at 651-523-3000 or finaid@hamline.edu.

We're committed to ensuring every student has access to the support they need, regardless of FAFSA processing delays. Rest assured, financial aid will continue to be available to our incoming students throughout the enrollment process.

Some students will be selected for verification or need to provide extra documentation before a financial aid package can be created.

You can check your student portal (see above for links) to see if you have been selected or if additional documentation is required.

If you feel the FAFSA has not allowed you to record all the factors that affect your financial situation, please request a "Special Circumstance" form from the Office of Financial Aid at finaid@hamline.edu.

Learn more about verification 

You must be enrolled at least half-time per term in a degree-seeking program to be eligible for all federal loans and some alternative loans. Please use the table below to determine your enrollment status.