FAFSA Tips

You are encouraged to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov. The FAFSA for 2024-25 is now open.

Due to changes with the Department of Education, colleges will receive FAFSA information later than expected, but Central is prepared to support you! Contact Wayne Dille, director of financial aid, at 641-628-5336 or dillew@central.edu to request your early financial aid estimate and talk through what you can expect.

Create your FSA ID

Each student and at least one parent should apply for an FSA ID.

See Detailed Instructions

Complete the FAFSA form

Complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. The form may not be available on first attempt, so be sure to check in multiple times. Central College’s FAFSA school code is 001850.

The FAFSA is a FREE service. You should not pay to complete the form.

Get notified

Online processing time for the FAFSA takes 2-3 business days. The Department of Education will notify you that your application has been processed and will provide you with a FAFSA Submission Summary.

Iowa Tuition Grant

Students who are Iowa residents need to file the FAFSA by July 1 to be eligible for Iowa Tuition Grant. Note that your form must be received at the processor (not simply mailed) by this date.

Additional Assistance

Central College’s Financial Aid Office can assist you in filing the FAFSA. Connect with us for answers to your questions or to receive support while filing.

The Department of Education is delaying distribution of FAFSA information to colleges, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait to see your financial aid package from Central. Contact our financial aid office to request your early financial aid estimate.

Wayne Dille

Director of Financial Aid
dillew@central.edu

Donna Newendorp

Associate Director of Financial Aid
newendorpd@central.edu

Other Helpful Tips:

  • Read and follow the FAFSA instructions carefully.
  • Do not skip questions unless specifically instructed to do so. If the answer to a question is zero, answer with “0”. Report whole dollar amounts, no cents.
  • “You and your” refers to the student, not the parent.
  • Please make sure that the social security number you list and the spelling of the student and parent(s) name exactly match that listed on the social security card. The information you list will be matched against a database at the Social Security Administration. If the name and SSN listed do not match exactly it will delay your receipt of financial aid.
  • Funding for many programs is limited. Make sure you know and meet all necessary deadlines. Be sure to complete the entire form as instructed. If you do not supply all required information, your application may be rejected, and you may miss the deadline.
  • Dependent students and one parent, or stepparent, must electronically sign the FAFSA application.

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Jenna Hernandez ’24 was inspired by those before her to step into her role as a leader. Now she’s embracing the experience and serving as student body president for the 2023-24 academic year.

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