Notice on Use and Privacy of FAFSA Data

The information you provide on your FAFSA is used by the U.S. Department of Education (the Department) to determine if you are eligible to receive federal student aid and the amount that you are eligible to receive. The information collected on your FAFSA includes information that can personally identify you, including your name, address, email address, and personal financial information. If you provide information about your parents (or your spouse if you are married), that information can also personally identify them.

The Department has systems in place to collect, share, and store your data securely. According to the Department, the information you provide currently cannot be shared outside of the Department without your consent, except for “allowable routine” uses. These routine uses may include sharing with your state’s higher education agency so the state can determine your eligibility for state financial aid, as well as sharing with other federal agencies for verification and other purposes. While there are currently federal privacy laws and agreements in place that protect the use of your data, it is important to understand that new and changing federal policies may impact the privacy of your data, and the privacy of your parents’ data, if they provide information on your FAFSA. However, if you choose not to provide the information needed to process your application, your aid may be denied. See https://studentaid.gov/notices/privacy for more information.

If you have questions about the FAFSA or paying for college, feel free to contact your local ISACorps member. Find them at https://studentportal.isac.org/isacorps.