Steps to apply for 2024-25 financial aid
1. Create an FSA ID - Head to the Federal Student Aid website to complete this step: https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch
- Each student must have their own FSA ID and password
- Each contributor must have their own FSA ID and password - A contributor refers to anyone (your spouse, your biological or adoptive parent, or your parent's spouse) who is required to provide information on your FAFSA form
- This step must be completed at least five (5) days before the FAFSA can be completed
Information needed to complete an FSA ID:
- Email address – Do not use high school email address
- Username
- Password – upper and lowercase letters and numbers
- Social Security Number (SSN)
- Date of Birth (DOB)
- Your name - exactly as it is listed on your social security card
- Four challenge questions and answers
2. Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) - https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
To invite a contributor to your FAFSA form, you will need the following:
- Contributor/s first and last name
- Contributor/s Date of Birth (DOB)
- Contributor/s Social Security Number (SSN)
- Contributor/s email address
3. Complete the Iowa Financial Aid Application (IFAA) - educate.iowa.gov/higher-ed/financial-aid/ifaa
4. Complete the Application for Admissions at Southwestern - https://you.swcciowa.edu/ICS/Admissions
5. Provide all educational transcripts to our Admissions Office
- Final high school transcripts or
- High School Equivalency Diploma (formerly known as GED) scores or
- Proof of Homeschool Completion form - https://www.swcciowa.edu/downloads/admissions/ProofOfHomeSchool.pdf
- College Transcripts - If you have attended other colleges or universities, you must submit an official transcript from each college or university attended. This is required even if you do not wish to have your previous course work evaluated or transferred to Southwestern
Submit official college transcripts to the SWCC Admissions Office:
Southwestern Community College
1501 W. Townline Street
Creston, IA 50801
Or by email -