How to Apply for Financial Aid

Step 1

Create an FSA ID, which is your electronic signature when completing financial aid and loan applications. If you are a dependent student, your parent(s) must create one as well.  The FSA ID can be created (or managed if you already have one) at https://studentaid.gov/sites/default/files/creating-using-fsaid.pdf.

Step 2

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov. The application is available in the fall prior to the school year for which you wish to receive Federal and State Aid.

Your and/or your parents' income for the requested tax year (2023 for the 2025-2026 FAFSA) and current asset information are required.

In order for the Kean University Office of Financial Aid to receive your FAFSA information and determine your aid eligibility, add Kean (Federal School Code 002622) in the “School Selection” section.  Kean’s priority FAFSA filing deadline is March 1st.

Step 3

Click Apply Now on the confirmation page of FAFSA to Start your state application for New Jersey State based financial aid. NJ Dreamers can apply for NJ financial aid at https://www.hesaa.org/pages/njalternativeapplication.aspx 

Step 4

After you file the FAFSA, view your Federal Submission Summary at studentaid.gov. This document is a summary of the information you reported on the FAFSA.  

Step 5

The Office of Financial Aid may request verification and other documents from you.  Log in to the Financial Aid Self Service through KeanWISE to check your financial aid award and/or document requirements.  Submit all missing documents in a timely manner, in order for us to finalize your aid package.

Repeat Steps 2-5 for each year that you wish to receive financial assistance.