How to Apply

The FAFSA will ask for information about you and potentially about your parent(s).  Please visit https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out for information on whether you'll need to provide parental information on your FAFSA.

Depending on your circumstances (for instance, when you filed taxes or what tax form you used), you might need the following information or documents as you fill out the FAFSA:

• Social Security number(s)
• Your driver’s license number, if you have one
• Your Alien Registration number, if you are not a U.S. citizen
• Federal tax information, including IRS W-2 information, for you (and your spouse, if you are married) and for your parents if you are a dependent student:
  
  • IRS 1040
  • Foreign tax return and/or
  • Tax return for Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, or Palau
  • W2s 
  • 1099
• Information on cash; savings and checking account balances; investments, including stocks and bonds and real estate but not including the home in which you live; and business and farm assets for you, and for your parents if you are a dependent student
• Child support paid

To submit the FAFSA, you must create an FSA ID (a username and password used to access federal student aid systems). If you are a dependent student, at least one parent must also create an FSA ID. If you are married, your spouse may be required to create one as well.

Visit https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/sign-in/landing to obtain a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID for you and any applicable contributors (parent(s) or spouse). 

Log in to https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa to start or renew your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

• Visit https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa#deadlines for information on FAFSA deadlines
• Visit https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out for information on filling out your FAFSA
• Be sure to add GCSC's school code (001490)
• Contact the financial aid office if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment to obtain FAFSA assistance
• Be sure to submit your FAFSA after signing with your FSA ID
• Print out the FAFSA confirmation page that appears after submitting your FAFSA and retain for your records

Apply for admission to Gulf Coast State College.

Be sure to select a degree/certificate that is eligible for Federal Student Aid

Register for classes by following the steps outlined at https://www.gulfcoast.edu/tuition-aid/financial-aid/documents-forms/misc/registering-for-classes.pdf.

Regularly monitor your Gulf Coast State College student email (...@my.gulfcoast.edu) and your Student Dashboard account by visiting myGCSC 

• Important updates, notifications, and Financial Aid correspondence will be sent to your official Gulf Coast State College student email address
• Requirements needed to review and process your Financial Aid will be posted to your Student Dashboard account

When a Student is Attending College	When a Student Can Submit a FAFSA	What FAFSA need to be submitted?	Which Year's Income/Tax Information is Required
Fall 2025, Spring 2026, or Summer 2026 semesters	December 1st, 2024 till June 30th, 2026	2025-2026	2023
Fall 2026, Spring 2027, or Summer 2027 semesters	December 1st, 2025 till June 30th, 2027	2026-2027	2024
Fall 2027, Spring 2028, or Summer 2028 semesters	December 1st, 2026 till June 30th, 2028	2027-2028	2025