How To Apply

It is easy to apply for financial aid. Students may submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) either by mail or online. The FAFSA collects financial data and other information that is used to calculate the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) that ultimately determines a student's eligibility for aid.

Please note that the Federal School Code for DigiPen Institute of Technology is 037243.

The key to obtaining financial aid is to apply early. Students should apply at least three months prior to the time they expect to enter school. Students may begin the process at any time; however, financial aid will not be awarded until the student is in "enrolled status."

1. The FAFSA form can be picked up in the Financial Aid Office for those students who wish to submit the application by mail.
2. Students who choose to submit the FAFSA electronically may visit this Web site: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. The Department of Education provides this website for students to transmit the application online.
3. Complete the DigiPen Financial Aid Forms and return it to the Financial Aid Office.
4. Stay in touch with the Financial Aid Office to be certain that all information needed to complete your file has been turned in on time.

FAFSA-Tips for completing it online:

Please visit www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov If you want to begin to learn more about your financial aid options and get an early start on the financial aid process, FAFSA4caster is for you! By using FAFSA4caster, you and your family will receive an early estimate of eligibility for federal student aid.

The quickest way to complete the Free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is to complete the application online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Otherwise, contact our office to have the FAFSA mailed to you , or visit your local high school or library for a copy. By completing the FAFSA, you are able to apply for all the federal and state aid. Following are some helpful hints for completing your FAFSA online. These tips and other resources can be found on the FAFSA tip sheet at www.studentaid.ed.gov

The following is a FAFSA checklist:

Before filling out the FAFSA you must get a PIN number. Apply for a PIN via the FAFSA website. A PIN will be e-mailed to you between 1-3 days after applying. If you do not have an e-mail address, it will take 7-10 days for your PIN to be mailed to you. Your FAFSA can be processed weeks faster when you sign with your PIN. If you’re dependent student, your parents will also need to apply for a PIN. Your PIN will allow you to sign your FAFSA electronically. If you do not have a PIN you can print off the signature page, then send it in. (This however, will prolong the process). FAFSA is not valid without a signature. For dependent students, your FAFSA is not valid and cannot be processed without a parent signature as well. Don’t forget to click the submit button on the very last page of the online FAFSA form. There will be a confirmation page that comes up after you have submitted the FAFSA, along with your confirmation number. Print the page and keep it for your records.

• Your SSN
• Your driver’s license number, if you have one
• Your W-2 forms (Dependent need parent’s and if student filed, their W-2’s)
• Your federal income tax return
• Current bank statements and records of stocks, bonds, and other investments
• Records of other untaxed income received
• Your business or farm records, if applicable
• If you are NOT a citizen, your alien registration number

After the FAFSA:

After submitting your FAFSA online, you should receive a “Student Aid Report” (SAR) in the mail about two weeks later, or if you provided an e-mail address, it should be e-mailed to you about five days later. Once you receive your SAR, make sure all the information is correct. By entering DigiPen Institute Of Technology school code, the SAR will automatically be sent to DigiPen Institute Of Technology. This will enable DigiPen’s financial aid department to process your financial aid.

Financial Aid Forms

• 2008-2009 Financial Aid Forms
  • DigiPen Financial Aid Application
  • DigiPen Alternative Loan Application

• 2007-2008 Financial Aid Forms
  • DigiPen Financial Aid Application
  • DigiPen Alternative Loan Application