How to Apply for Federal Student Aid

To apply for Federal Student Aid, you must access JIU's Virtual Financial Aid Office (VFAO) via the applicant or student portal. The VFAO will direct you to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online, using a PIN or electronic access code as your identifier. The application must be completed with extreme care and accuracy. Our Financial Aid Advising Center is available to assist you in the completion of this form and to answer any questions.

Note: Financial aid from federal programs is not guaranteed from one year to the next. You must reapply every award year (the Federal Award Year is July 1 through June 30). Also, if you transfer to another university, your aid does not automatically go with you. You must check with your new college to find out the appropriate procedures for reapplying for financial aid.

VERIFICATION PROCESS

Because students sometimes make errors on their financial aid application, federal regulations require that colleges and universities be able to verify the reported information.

Our financial aid office will notify you if you must submit your tax return(s) or other information if your application is randomly selected for verification by the U.S. Department of Education. Click here to learn more about the verification process.