FAFSA WALKTHROUGH: PRE-APPLICATION INFO

How to fill out the Demographics section

This section collects demographic information about you and your family.

fafsa-steps

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Personal identifiers

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Personal Circumstances

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Demographics

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Financials

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Colleges

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Signature

    Questions covered:

    1. Student Demographic Information

    Gender

    What is your gender? (Male, Female, Nonbinary, Prefer not to answer)

    Race and Ethnicity

    Is the student of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin? Select all that apply.

    This question asks about your ethnic background. "Hispanic" and "Latino" refer to people who come from Spanish-speaking countries.

    What is the student’s race? Select all that apply.

    This question asks you to identify your race. You can select more than one option if you belong to multiple racial groups.

    2. Student Citizenship

    Citizenship Status

    What is your citizenship status? (U.S. citizen, eligible noncitizen, neither)

    Your citizenship status affects your eligibility for federal student aid. U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens (e.g., permanent residents) qualify for federal aid.

    A-Number

    If you are an eligible noncitizen, provide your A-Number.

    An A-Number, or Alien Registration Number, is assigned to noncitizens by the Department of Homeland Security.

    3. Student State of Legal Residence

    Date you became a legal resident (MM/YYYY)

    Your state of legal residence can affect the types of state and institutional aid you may receive. Indicate the state where you have established legal residency and the date it began.

    4. Parent Education Status

    Did either of your parents attend or complete college? (Neither attended, One or both attended but did not complete, One or both completed, Don’t know)

    This question helps identify first-generation college students, who may be eligible for additional support and resources.

    5. Parent Killed in Line of Duty

    Was your parent or guardian killed in the line of duty while serving on active duty as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces on or after September 11, 2001, or while performing official duties as a public safety officer?

    If your parent was killed in the line of duty, you might be eligible for additional financial aid benefits.

    6. Student High School Information

    High school completion status when you begin the 2024-25 school year (High school diploma, State-recognized equivalent, Homeschooled, None of the previous)

    High school name, city, and state (if applicable)

    Provide the name and location of the high school you graduated from or the equivalent credential you earned.

    State-recognized equivalent (if applicable, GED, HiSET, TASC, Other)

    This includes alternative credentials like the GED or other state-recognized equivalents.

    7. Student Spouse Information

    • What is your spouse’s full legal name? (First name, Middle name, Last name, Suffix)

    • What is your spouse’s date of birth? (MM/DD/YYYY)

    • What is your spouse’s Social Security Number (SSN)?

    8. Student Spouse Contact Information

    • What is your spouse’s mobile phone number?

    • What is your spouse’s email address?

    • What is your spouse’s permanent mailing address? (Include apt. number, City, State, ZIP code, Country)

    9. Parent Current Marital Status

    What is your parent’s marital status as of today? (Single, Unmarried and both legal parents living together, Married, Remarried, Separated, Divorced, Widowed)

    Your parent's marital status affects how their financial information is reported and considered in your financial aid application.

    What is the month and year they were married, separated, divorced, or widowed? (MM/YYYY)

    Provide the date when your parents' current marital status began. This helps clarify their financial situation.

    10. Parent State of Legal Residence

    Date the parent became a legal resident (MM/YYYY)

    This helps determine eligibility for state aid programs and residency requirements for in-state tuition rates.

    How to answer?

    Provide accurate demographic details to help determine your eligibility for different types of aid.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Demographic information helps determine your eligibility for specific grants and scholarships, and it provides context for your financial aid application.

    No, all questions are required.

    TuitionHero tip

    Ensure all details are accurate.