What is the FAFSA? |
What is the VASA? |
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The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form completed by current and prospective college/career school students in the United States to determine their eligibility for student financial aid. It is used to apply for federal grants, work-study funds, and loans, as well as state and institutional aid.
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The VASA (Virginia Alternative State Aid) application provides access to state financial aid and possibly institutional aid for students ineligible to complete a FAFSA. Virginians who have certain non-immigrant visas, are undocumented, have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, or are otherwise ineligible to complete a FAFSA will complete the VASA.
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Unsure which to complete?
You can take this quick questionnaire to determine which financial aid application you will complete.
Creating an FSA ID (FAFSA) |
Creating a VASA account |
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Whether you're a student, parent, or borrower, you'll need to create your own account to apply for, receive, and manage your federal student aid. Click here to create an account. You'll need a personal email address (your CHS email will deactivate once you graduate) and your social security number (if applicable). If you're not sure which of your parents need to create a federal student aid account, take this quick questionnaire.
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Need help completing your FAFSA? |
Need help completing your VASA? |
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You can find resources to help you complete your FAFSA here. The 2026-2027 FAFSA is open now. You can send me an email ([email protected]) or meet me in my office (A121) with any questions you may have about the FAFSA.
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You can find resources to help you complete your VASA here. The 2026-2027 VASA application is open now. You can send me an email ([email protected]) or meet me in my office (A121) with any questions you may have about the VASA.
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Federal Student Aid Estimator
The Federal Student Aid Estimator provides an estimate of how much federal student aid the student may be eligible to receive. These estimates are based on the Student Aid Index (SAI), an index number used to determine federal student aid eligibility.
