How to Apply for Student Financial Aid

Kennesaw State students use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for financial aid. Your FAFSA application for the upcoming school year should be completed by March 1.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid

  • The  is used for state and federal aid programs.
  • Be sure to list ÑDz©¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾â€™s school code on your FAFSA, 001577.
  • ÑDz©¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾'s Priority Deadline for FAFSA completion is March 1.
  • You must file a FAFSA each year to be considered for financial aid. For more information, view the  videos provided by the .
  • Consent to having your tax information transferred from the IRS into your FAFSA.

Georgia Student Finance Application (GSFAPP)

  • If you only want to apply for the HOPE or Zell Miller Scholarship Program, you can complete the GSFAPP.
  • ÑDz©¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾'s Priority Deadline for GSFAPP completion is March 1. 

Once your application has been received, the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid may ask you for additional documents.

Check your ÑDz©¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾ e-mail account often, and make sure you submit any additional documents as quickly as possible.

Verification

Verification is a process mandated by the U.S. Department of Education to confirm the accuracy of the information provided on the FAFSA. Students who are selected for verification will be required to provide certain documents to the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid before their financial aid application can be processed. Examples of some documents that may be requested include:

  • Income Tax Transcript ordered from the 
  • Dependent/Independent Verification Web Form

Other documents may be requested as needed in order to process your financial aid application. To determine if you need to submit additional documents to the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, please log in to Owl Express, select the Financial Aid Tab, click on the Financial Aid Dashboard, select "Financial Aid Actions," then review task underneath "Needs Action" and submit required form(s). In addition, the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid will send you email notifications. Check your ÑDz©¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾ e-mail account often, and make sure you submit documents as quickly as possible.

Requesting a re-evaluation of your aid eligibility

Families facing severe financial problems due to job loss, medical expenses, foreclosure, or business decline can request a review of their aid eligibility. This is called Special Circumstance – Student Aid Index Appeal. You will need to request a meeting with your assigned financial aid staff member to start the appeal process. Circumstances that will be considered include:

  • Loss of income because of unemployment
  • High unreimbursed medical or dental expenses (expenses not covered by insurance)
  • Separation or divorce
  • Death of a parent or spouse
  • Cost of attendance

Use of Professional Judgment: Evaluation of financial aid applications is handled through a review process using professional judgment by financial aid professionals in the ÑDz©¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾ Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid. Submitting a request does not guarantee approval. All requests are reviewed by our staff following guidance from the U.S. Department of Education. 

Timing o