Applying for Aid

FAFSA Renewal

Renewal Application Process
 All Continuing Students Should Update Contact Information
 2022—2023 Awards for Continuing Students

Most students who filed the 2021-2022 FAFSA by mid-September of 2021, should receive a 2022-2023 renewal FAFSA reminder by the end of January 2022. E-mail Renewal Reminders were sent to applicants who met the following criteria:

  • Name, date of birth, and Social Security Number match with the Social Security Administration's records for the 2021-2022 FAFSA
  • Have provided an e-mail address with correct syntax on the 2021-2022 FAFSA

Renewal Application Process

Renewal FAFSAs have many items preprinted using information from 2021-2022. Students and families need only update basic information and provide new information on 2020 income and current assets. Family size and number of family members in college during the upcoming academic year should also be updated. If you filed your 2021-2022 FAFSA electronically, you will not receive a paper renewal. You may access your Renewal FAFSA on the web.

Parents who are enrolled in college may not be counted as family members in college on the FAFSA. Also information is to be provided for natural or adoptive parents only. Do NOT use information of guardians.

You are reminded that even though an item may be preprinted, that does not ensure the accuracy of that item. Review carefully all the preprinted items and make any appropriate changes. Double check your social security and driver's license numbers. You may file a paper Renewal FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA on the Web any time on or after October 1, 2021.

Remember to update all information, including your year in college. Report your best estimate of your class level (question 30) for the 2022-2023 academic year:

  • Answer '1'
     if you are an undergraduate and will have earned fewer than 24 semester hours at the beginning of the Fall 2022 term.
  • Answer '2'
     if you will have earned at least 24 semester hours but fewer than 54 hours.
  • Answer '3'
     if you will have earned at least 54 semester hours but fewer than 87 hours.
  • Answer '4'
     if you have earned at least 87 semester hours prior to the beginning of the Fall 2022 term.
  • Answer '5'
     if you are a 5th year senior or enrolled in the teacher certification program (after having received your bachelor's degree) or you are enrolled in prerequisite courses required for your admission to a graduate program.
  • Answer '6' or '7'
     only if you are fully admitted to a graduate program.

Remember to report the federal code for Winthrop (003456) in the appropriate section of either the web based Renewal FAFSA or your paper Renewal FAFSA.

You should keep copies of all forms used in the completion of your FAFSA to expedite the process should you be selected to complete the verification process. The federal processor selects 30% of all applicants for this process. Those selected must provide copies of all income records and various other information to the financial aid office prior to receiving aid.

All Continuing Students Should Update Contact Information

So that renewal application information can be delivered in a timely manner, the U.S. Department of Education must have correct contact information. Students can update e-mail addresses, physical mailing addresses, and other contact information by visiting the FAFSA website. To view the current contact information, enter the Student Access section from the site map, and then make any updates via the Make Corrections sections listed in the site map under FAFSA Follow-up.

Students can also update contact information on their Student Aid Report (SAR) and mail it to the FAFSA processor at the address provided on the SAR. All students who plan to apply for financial aid should access their Renewal FAFSA on the web. Students are encouraged to apply now for aid.

2022—2023 Awards for Continuing Students

Awards for continuing students will be made in early June after Spring 2022 grades are posted and the Office of Financial Aid has the opportunity to review the academic progress of returning students. Notification of the award will be sent to you in an e-mail directing you to Wingspan where you may review and accept your award. PLEASE NOTE: E-mails will be sent to your Winthrop e-mail address.