FAFSA basics

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to applying for financial aid, including Federal Student Aid programs and SEU grants/scholarships.

Here’s what you need to know

Submit it annually

All students are required to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year . As you complete the application, indicate that you want your financial aid analysis information sent to Southeastern University (the SEU FAFSA code is 001521) .

Track your status

Once we get your FAFSA information from the federal processor, we’ll email you login instructions for the web, so you can track your financial aid status and any missing items .

File early

Students can file a FAFSA as early as October 1 .

Use the correct tax year

Beginning with the 2017–2018 FAFSA, students were required to report income information using earlier tax information . For example, a student starting college in the 2022–2023 school year can submit their information as early as October 1, 2021, using 2020 tax income information . (Confused? No worries … check out SEU.edu/FAFSA for a table outlining the tax year requirements .)

Please note that if your family income changes significantly after the FAFSA is submitted, or if your income was impacted by the pandemic, contact our Student Financial Services department to determine if your student is eligible for a Professional Judgment review (which could result in a student's increased eligibility for need-based aid).