1. Determine your dependency status
Dependency status affects whose information must be reported on your FAFSA.
Dependent Student
Unmarried and under the age of 24.
Independent Student
Married or over the age of 24.
Financial Aid How-To Guide
Follow these steps to set up your FSA ID, complete your FAFSA, manage your loans, and stay on track with your financial aid at CAHE.
Start here
You will use the information below any time you work with federal aid tools like FAFSA and StudentAid.gov.
CAHE Federal School Code
011617
2. Create or regain access to your FSA ID
Your FSA ID (username and password) is used to log in to StudentAid.gov and electronically sign your FAFSA and loan documents. For students under 24, a separate FSA ID must be generated for at least one parent—each must use a unique email and mobile phone number.
How to create an FSA ID
How to regain access to your FSA ID
3. Complete the FAFSA
Completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is how you are considered for federal grants and loans.
Dependent students
Your parents' federal tax return from two years ago, your Social Security number (or Alien ID), and at least one parent's Social Security number and date of birth.
Independent students
Your federal tax return from two years ago and your Social Security number (or Alien ID).
FAFSA generally uses "prior-prior" year tax information. Example: for the 2025–2026 FAFSA, you will need your 2023 tax return. When in doubt, subtract two years from the first year in the FAFSA range.
4. Accept your federal loans
After your FAFSA is processed and you receive your financial aid offer, you decide how much of the federal loans you wish to accept.
- Review your award information from CAHE's Financial Aid office.
- Complete the Loan Acceptance form to confirm how much you want to borrow.
- Contact Financial Aid if you have questions about amounts or eligibility.
Reminder: You are not required to accept the full amount offered—you may accept a lower amount or decline loans entirely.
5. Complete your Master Promissory Note & Entrance Counseling
Before federal loans can be disbursed, first-time borrowers must complete both the Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Counseling on StudentAid.gov.
- Log in to StudentAid.gov with your FSA ID.
- Complete Direct Loan Entrance Counseling.
- Complete and sign your Master Promissory Note (MPN).
6. Apply for private loans (if needed)
After federal aid is determined, some students explore private educational loans to cover remaining costs.
- Compare interest rates, fees, and repayment terms from different lenders.
- Many private loans require a credit check and may need a co-signer.
- Always review federal aid options first before borrowing private loans.
Reminder: CAHE's Financial Aid office can help you understand how private loans fit into your overall funding plan.
View Preferred Lender List (2026)7. Complete Exit Counseling
Exit Counseling is required when you graduate, withdraw, or drop below half-time enrollment. It explains your repayment responsibilities and options.
- Log in to StudentAid.gov and complete Direct Loan Exit Counseling.
- Review your total federal loan balance and estimated payments.
- Update your contact information so loan servicers can reach you.