NCER-NPSAS Grant Study - Connecting Students with Financial Aid (CSFA) 2017: Testing the Effectiveness of FAFSA Interventions on College Outcomes

Appendices A NCER-NPSAS Grant Study-CSFA 2017 Interventions

NCER-NPSAS Grant Study - Connecting Students with Financial Aid (CSFA) 2017: Testing the Effectiveness of FAFSA Interventions on College Outcomes

OMB: 1850-0931

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NCER-NPSAS Grant Study
Connecting Students with Financial Aid (CSFA)
2017: Testing the Effectiveness of FAFSA
Interventions on College Outcomes

Appendix A
Intervention Materials
OMB # 1850-0931 v.2
The content of this Appendix was Approved under
OMB# 1850-0931 v.1

Submitted by
National Center for Education Statistics
U.S. Department of Education

October 2016
revised December 2016

Table of Contents
Appendix A – Intervention Communication Materials……………..………………………………….………….………4
Students who have not yet submitted a FAFSA for 2017‐18
Intervention A – Neutral Framing
A1: Submitted FAFSA 2016‐17
Letter……………………………………………………………………………………………………….….…..……..……………....…5
Email…………………………….………………………………………………………………………….….…..……..………………..…7
A2: Did not submit FAFSA 2016‐17
Letter……………………………………………………………………………………………………….….…..……..……………....…9
Email…………………………….………………………………………………………………………….….…..…….………………..…11
Intervention B – Positive Framing
B1: Submitted FAFSA 2016‐17
Letter……………………………………………………………………………………………………….….…..……..……………....…13
Email…………………………….………………………………………………………………………….….…..……..……………….…15
B2: Did not submit FAFSA 2016‐17
Letter……………………………………………………………………………………………………….….…..……..……………....…17
Email…………………………….………………………………………………………………………….….…..……..……………….…19
Intervention C – Negative Framing
C1: Submitted FAFSA 2016‐17
Letter……………………………………………………………………………………………………….….…..……..……………....…21
Email…………………………….………………………………………………………………………….….…..……….……………..…23
C2: Did not submit FAFSA 2016‐17
Letter……………………………………………………………………………………………………….….…..……..……………....…25
Email…………………………….………………………………………………………………………….….…..……..………...…….…27
Students who have already submitted a FAFSA for 2017‐18
Intervention D
Letter....………………..……………..…………..……………..…………..……………..…………..……………………...……….……………29
Email....………..……………….……..…………..……………..…………..……………..…………..……………………...….…..……….……31
U.S. Department of Education FAFSA Handout (to be included with all intervention letters)……………….………………33
NCER NPSAS Grant Studies Website……………………………………………………………………………….......................................34

Summary of Intervention and Survey Communications
Appendix A – Intervention Communication Materials (to be conducted January 2017 through May 2017)
Intervention

Intervention
Group

Has not
submitted
2017‐18
FAFSA
(as of Jan 13,
2017)

Intervention A1: Submitted 2016‐17
Neutral
A2: Not submit 2016‐17
Framing
Intervention B1: Submitted 2016‐17
Positive
Framing
B2: Not submit 2016‐17
Intervention C1: Submitted 2016‐17
Negative
Framing
C2: Not submit 2016‐17

Title of Intervention Communication

Already
submitted
2017‐18 FAFSA

Intervention
Neutral Framing of Next Steps

Frequency
Letter
Email
Letter
Email
Letter
Email
Letter
Email

Up to 4 contacts
over a five
month period

Letter
Email
Letter
Email
Letter
Email

2 contacts
over a five
month period

Appendix B ‐ Survey Communication Materials (to be surveyed October 2017 through December 2017)
Contact
Number
B‐1

Data Collection Announcement Letter

Order of
Contact
1

Data Collection Announcement E‐mail

B‐3

Reminder E‐mail 1

B‐4

Reminder Postcard 1

Reminder E‐mail 2

Reminder E‐mail 3

B‐7

Reminder Postcard 2

B‐8

Reminder E‐mail 4

B‐2

B‐5
B‐6

Contact Group
All sample
members

Survey non‐
respondents

Title of Survey Communication

Survey
respondents who
Thank You/Incentive Letter
Varies
B‐9
opt to receive
incentive via check
*
Note: The intervention emails will be the same as the letters except the graphic in the letters will be text instead,
and the emails do not include the QR code.

NCER-NPSAS Grant Study
Connecting Students with Financial Aid (CSFA) 2017:
Testing the Effectiveness of FAFSA
Interventions on College Outcomes

Appendix A
Intervention Communication Materials

OMB # 1850-New v.1

Submitted by
National Center for Education Statistics
U.S. Department of Education

October 2016

CSFA Intervention A1 (Neutral Framing – Submitted 2016-17) Letter

Not yet submit 2017-18

Dear <>,
We notice that as of <>, you have not yet applied for financial aid for next year.
Because you applied for aid last year, the process this year is simple, but don’t delay. You must apply
for financial aid each year to continue receiving financial aid. Here is information that will help you
with the process.
To get financial aid, you must complete the FAFSA, which is the Free Application for Federal
Student Aid. Some students think they shouldn’t bother, but you should know the facts.

Don’t let these myths stop you!
“The FAFSA is too
hard to fill out!”
“Only students
with good grades
get financial aid.”

“I’m too old to
qualify for
financial aid.”
“I make too much
money, so I won’t
qualify for aid.”

The reality is EVERYONE must complete the FAFSA to get financial aid.
It is FREE to complete, FREE to submit, and the sooner you complete the form, the more aid you
could receive from the federal government, state, and your college. Many state and college aid
programs have a preferred deadline of March 1st so be sure to start today.
Did you know you could get more financial aid if you take more courses? This could help you
finish your studies sooner. As shown below, students who attend full-time could receive twice as
much financial aid with a Pell Grant, which is free money that does not need to be repaid.
Credits Taken per Term
3
6
9
12

Maximum Pell Grant
$0
Up to $2,910
Up to $4,440
Up to $5,920

There are a number of FREE resources available to help you get the money you need.
Visit http://go.usa.gov/x8vYc or scan this code to get information from the U.S.
Department of Education. We have also enclosed a guide to help.
Remember, the FAFSA is FREE. If someone asks you to pay to fill it out, then you’re not working
with the official FAFSA, your link to get financial aid from the U.S. Department of Education.

Still have questions? Visit the website listed above or call the Federal Student Aid Information Center
at 1-800-4FED-AID (1-800-433-3243). You can also go to your college’s financial aid office for help.
Submit the FAFSA, and get help paying for college.
Sincerely,
<>

You are being contacted because you agreed to participate in an external research project when you responded to the 2015-16 National Postsecondary
Student Aid Study (NPSAS:16). For more information go to: http://nces.ed.gov/surveys/npsas/grant/CSFA.
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) is authorized to conduct the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS) and its follow up
studies, including the Connecting Students with Financial Aid (CSFA) 2017 study, by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA 2002, 20
U.S.C., § 9543), and to collect as part of these studies, under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA, 34 CFR §§ 99.31(a)(3) and 99.35),
students’ education records from educational agencies or institutions in connection with an evaluation of federally supported education programs. Data
collected from or about individual students are used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed or used, in identifiable form, for any other
purpose except as required by law (ESRA 2002, 20 U.S.C., § 9573). These data are being collected for NCES by RTI International, a nonprofit research
organization based in North Carolina.
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB
control number. The valid OMB control number for this voluntary information collection is 1850-NEW. The time required to complete this information
collection is estimated to average approximately 15 minutes per response, including the time to review instructions, gather the data needed, and complete
and review the information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate, suggestions for improving this survey, or
any comments or concerns regarding the status of your individual submission of this survey, please write directly to: The Connecting Students with
Financial Aid (CSFA) Study, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Potomac Center Plaza, 550 12th St., SW, PCP-4007, Washington,
DC 20202

CSFA Intervention A1 (Neutral Framing – Submitted 2016-17) Email

Not yet submit 2017-18

<> Financial aid is available
<>

Don’t let these myths stop you!
“The FAFSA is too hard to fill out!” [NOT TRUE]
“I make too much money, so I won’t qualify for aid.” [NOT TRUE]
“Only students with good grades get financial aid.” [NOT TRUE]

“I’m too old to qualify to financial aid.” [NOT TRUE]
The reality is EVERYONE must complete the FAFSA to get financial aid.
It is FREE to complete, FREE to submit, and the sooner you complete the form, the more aid you
could receive from the federal government, state, and your college. Many state and college aid
programs have a preferred deadline of March 1st so be sure to start today.
Did you know you could get more financial aid if you take more courses? This could help you
finish your studies sooner. As shown below, students who attend full-time could receive twice as
much financial aid with a Pell Grant, which is free money that does not need to be repaid.
Credits Taken per Term
3
6
9
12

Maximum Pell Grant
$0
Up to $2,910
Up to $4,440
Up to $5,920

There are a number of FREE resources available to help you get the money you need. Visit
http://go.usa.gov/x8vYc to get information from the U.S. Department of Education. We have also
enclosed a guide to help.
Remember, the FAFSA is FREE. If someone asks you to pay to fill it out, then you’re not working
with the official FAFSA, your link to get financial aid from the U.S. Department of Education.

OMB Control Number: 1850-NEW
You are being contacted because you agreed to participate in an external research project when you responded to the 201516 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:16). Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at:
http://nces.ed.gov/surveys/npsas/grant/CSFA.

CSFA Intervention A2 (Neutral Framing – Not Submit 2016-17) Letter

Not yet submit 2017-18

Dear <>,
We notice that as of <>, you have not yet applied for financial aid for next year.
It also appears that you did not apply to get financial aid for the current school year. Many students
receive financial aid. Here is information that will help you with the process.
To get financial aid, you must complete the FAFSA, which is the Free Application for Federal
Student Aid. Some students think they shouldn’t bother, but you should know the facts.

Don’t let these myths stop you!
“The FAFSA is too
hard to fill out!”
“Only students
with good grades
get financial aid.”

“I’m too old to
qualify for
financial aid.”
“I make too much
money, so I won’t
qualify for aid.”

Maximum Pell Grant
$0
Up to $2,910
Up to $4,440
Up to $5,920

CSFA Intervention A2 (Neutral Framing – Not Submit 2016-17) Email

Not yet submit 2017-18

<> Financial aid is available
<>

Dear <>,
We notice that as of <>, you have not yet applied for financial aid for next year. It
also appears that you did not apply to get financial aid for the current school year. Many students
receive financial aid. Here is information that will help you with the process.
To get financial aid, you must complete the FAFSA, which is the Free Application for Federal
Student Aid. Some students think they shouldn’t bother, but you should know the facts.

Maximum Pell Grant
$0
Up to $2,910
Up to $4,440
Up to $5,920

CSFA Intervention B1 (Positive Framing – Submitted 2016-17) Letter

Not yet submit 2017-18

Dear <>,
We notice that as of <>, you have not yet applied for financial aid for next year.
Because you applied for aid last year, the process this year is simple, but don’t delay.
You must apply for financial aid each year to continue receiving financial aid. Many students can get
a Federal Pell Grant up to $5,920, which does not need to be repaid. That’s thousands of dollars
to help you pay for college! Here is information that will help you with the process.
To get financial aid, you must complete the FAFSA, which is the Free Application for Federal
Student Aid. Some students think they shouldn’t bother, but you should know the facts.

Don’t let these myths stop you!
“The FAFSA is too
hard to fill out!”
“Only students
with good grades
get financial aid.”

“I’m too old to
qualify for
financial aid.”
“I make too much
money, so I won’t
qualify for aid.”

Maximum Pell Grant
$0
Up to $2,910
Up to $4,440
Up to $5,920

With more financial aid, additional courses might not cost you anything out-of-pocket.
There are a number of FREE resources available to help you get the money you need.
Visit http://go.usa.gov/x8vYc or scan this code to get information from the U.S.
Department of Education. We have also enclosed a guide to help.

Remember, the FAFSA is FREE. If someone asks you to pay to fill it out, then you’re not working
with the official FAFSA, your link to get financial aid from the U.S. Department of Education.
Still have questions? Visit the website listed above or call the Federal Student Aid Information Center
at 1-800-4FED-AID (1-800-433-3243). You can also go to your college’s financial aid office for help.
There is financial aid waiting for you! Submit the FAFSA, and get help paying for college.
Sincerely,
<>

CSFA Intervention B1 (Positive Framing – Submitted 2016-17) Email

Not yet submit 2017-18

<> Be sure to get your financial aid
<>

Dear <>,
We notice that as of <>, you have not yet applied for financial aid for next year.
Because you applied for aid last year, the process this year is simple, but don’t delay.
You must apply for financial aid each year to continue receiving financial aid. Many students can get
a Federal Pell Grant up to $5,920, which does not need to be repaid. That’s thousands of dollars
to help you pay for college! Here is information that will help you with the process.
To get financial aid, you must complete the FAFSA, which is the Free Application for Federal
Student Aid. Some students think they shouldn’t bother, but you should know the facts.

Maximum Pell Grant
$0
Up to $2,910
Up to $4,440
Up to $5,920

With more financial aid, additional courses might not cost you anything out-of-pocket.
There are a number of FREE resources available to help you get the money you need. Visit
http://go.usa.gov/x8vYc to get information from the U.S. Department of Education. We have also
enclosed a guide to help.

CSFA Intervention B2 (Positive Framing – Not Submit 2016-17) Letter

Not yet submit 2017-18

Dear <>,
We notice that as of <>, you have not yet applied for financial aid for next year.
It also appears that you did not apply to get financial aid for the current school year. Many students
can get a Federal Pell Grant up to $5,920, which does not need to be repaid. That’s thousands of
dollars to help you pay for college! Here is information that will help you with the process.
To get financial aid, you must complete the FAFSA, which is the Free Application for Federal
Student Aid. Some students think they shouldn’t bother, but you should know the facts.

Don’t let these myths stop you!
“The FAFSA is too
hard to fill out!”
“Only students
with good grades
get financial aid.”

“I’m too old to
qualify for
financial aid.”
“I make too much
money, so I won’t
qualify for aid.”

Maximum Pell Grant
$0
Up to $2,910
Up to $4,440
Up to $5,920

CSFA Intervention B2 (Positive Framing – Not Submit 2016-17) Email

Not yet submit 2017-18

<> Be sure to get your financial aid
<>

Dear <>,
We notice that as of <>, you have not yet applied for financial aid for next year.
It also appears that you did not apply to get financial aid for the current school year. Many students
can get a Federal Pell Grant up to $5,920, which does not need to be repaid. That’s thousands of
dollars to help you pay for college! Here is information that will help you with the process.
To get financial aid, you must complete the FAFSA, which is the Free Application for Federal
Student Aid. Some students think they shouldn’t bother, but you should know the facts.

Maximum Pell Grant
$0
Up to $2,910
Up to $4,440
Up to $5,920

With more financial aid, additional courses might not cost you anything out-of-pocket.
There are a number of FREE resources available to help you get the money you need. Visit
http://go.usa.gov/x8vYc to get information from the U.S. Department of Education. We have also
enclosed a guide to help.

CSFA Intervention C1 (Negative Framing – Submitted 2016-17) Letter

Not yet submit 2017-18

Dear <>,
We notice that as of <>, you have not yet applied for financial aid for next year.
Because you applied for aid last year, the process this year is simple, but don’t delay.
You must apply for financial aid each year or you will lose your support. Don’t lose your chance to
get a Pell Grant worth up to $5,920, which does not need to be repaid. Thousands of dollars are
at stake. Here is information that will help you with the process.
To get financial aid, you must complete the FAFSA, which is the Free Application for Federal
Student Aid. Some students think they shouldn’t bother, but you should know the facts.

Don’t let these myths stop you!
“The FAFSA is too
hard to fill out!”
“Only students
with good grades
get financial aid.”

“I’m too old to
qualify for
financial aid.”
“I make too much
money, so I won’t
qualify for aid.”

Maximum Pell Grant
$0
Up to $2,910
Up to $4,440
Up to $5,920

You could lose financial aid if you don’t take enough courses. Don’t miss out on all the help you could
receive.
There are a number of FREE resources available to help you get the money you need.
Visit http://go.usa.gov/x8vYc or scan this code to get information from the U.S.
Department of Education. We have also enclosed a guide to help.

Remember, the FAFSA is FREE. If someone asks you to pay to fill it out, then you’re not working
with the official FAFSA, your link to get financial aid from the U.S. Department of Education.
Still have questions? Visit the website listed above or call the Federal Student Aid Information Center
at 1-800-4FED-AID (1-800-433-3243). You can also go to your college’s financial aid office for help.
Don’t miss your chance to get help paying for college. Submit the FAFSA, and get financial aid.
Sincerely,
<>

CSFA Intervention C1 (Negative Framing – Submitted 2016-17) Email

Not yet submit 2017-18

<> Don’t miss out on your financial aid
<>

Dear <>,
We notice that as of <>, you have not yet applied for financial aid for next year.
Because you applied for aid last year, the process this year is simple, but don’t delay.
You must apply for financial aid each year or you will lose your support. Don’t lose your chance to
get a Pell Grant worth up to $5,920, which does not need to be repaid. Thousands of dollars are
at stake. Here is information that will help you with the process.
To get financial aid, you must complete the FAFSA, which is the Free Application for Federal
Student Aid. Some students think they shouldn’t bother, but you should know the facts.

Maximum Pell Grant
$0
Up to $2,910
Up to $4,440
Up to $5,920

You could lose financial aid if you don’t take enough courses. Don’t miss out on all the help you could
receive.
There are a number of FREE resources available to help you get the money you need. Visit
http://go.usa.gov/x8vYc to get information from the U.S. Department of Education. We have also
enclosed a guide to help.

Remember, the FAFSA is FREE. If someone asks you to pay to fill it out, then you’re not working
with the official FAFSA, your link to get financial aid from the U.S. Department of Education.
Still have questions? Visit the website listed above or call the Federal Student Aid Information Center
at 1-800-4FED-AID (1-800-433-3243). You can also go to your college’s financial aid office for help.
Don’t miss your chance to get help paying for college. Submit the FAFSA, and get financial aid.
Sincerely,
<>

CSFA Intervention C2 (Negative Framing – Not Submit 2016-17) Letter

Not yet submit 2017-18

Dear <>,
We notice that as of <>, you have not yet applied for financial aid for next year.
It also appears that you did not apply to get financial aid for the current school year. Don’t lose out
again! Thousands of dollars are at stake. You could lose your chance to get a Pell Grant worth up
to $5,920 from the federal government. Here is information that will help you with the process.
To get financial aid, you must complete the FAFSA, which is the Free Application for Federal
Student Aid. Some students think they shouldn’t bother, but you should know the facts.

Don’t let these myths stop you!
“The FAFSA is too
hard to fill out!”
“Only students
with good grades
get financial aid.”

“I’m too old to
qualify for
financial aid.”
“I make too much
money, so I won’t
qualify for aid.”

Maximum Pell Grant
$0
Up to $2,910
Up to $4,440
Up to $5,920

Remember, the FAFSA is FREE. If someone asks you to pay to fill it out, then you’re not working
with the official FAFSA, your link to get financial aid from the U.S. Department of Education.
Still have questions? Visit the website listed above or call the Federal Student Aid Information Center
at 1-800-4FED-AID (1-800-433-3243). You can also go to your college’s financial aid office for help.
Don’t miss your chance to get help paying for college. Submit the FAFSA, and get financial aid.
Sincerely,
<>

CSFA Intervention C2 (Negative Framing – Not Submit 2016-17) Email

Not yet submit 2017-18

<> Don’t miss out on your financial aid
<>

Maximum Pell Grant
$0
Up to $2,910
Up to $4,440
Up to $5,920

You could lose financial aid if you don’t take enough courses. Don’t miss out on all the help you could
receive.
There are a number of FREE resources available to help you get the money you need. Visit
http://go.usa.gov/x8vYc to get information from the U.S. Department of Education. We have also
enclosed a guide to help.

Remember, the FAFSA is FREE. If someone asks you to pay to fill it out, then you’re not working
with the official FAFSA, your link to get financial aid from the U.S. Department of Education.
Still have questions? Visit the website listed above or call the Federal Student Aid Information Center
at 1-800-4FED-AID (1-800-433-3243). You can also go to your college’s financial aid office for help.
Don’t miss your chance to get help paying for college. Submit the FAFSA, and get financial aid.
Sincerely,
<>

CSFA Intervention D (Submitted 2017-18) Letter

Dear <>,
Congratulations on starting the process of getting financial aid by submitting the FAFSA, the Free
Application for Federal Student Aid. You still have a few more steps in the process to get the
money you need to help pay for college.
 Look over your Student Aid Report (SAR)
After submitting your FAFSA, you should have received your SAR, which is a summary
of your information. Be sure this information is correct.
 What if your FAFSA is incomplete or you need to make corrections?
Log into your account using your FSA ID to make changes or additions to your FAFSA.
 What if you’ve selected for “verification”?
Don’t worry! Verification is just the process your school uses to confirm that your
FAFSA is accurate. Contact your school’s financial aid office, and they will help you
through the process.
 Check to see if your school needs more information
Sometimes schools ask for additional paperwork or have other deadlines. Check with
your school’s financial aid office to learn more.
 Receive your financial aid award letter
When all of your information is submitted and confirmed, you can expect to receive an
award letter from your school. If you have any questions, give them a call!

Did you know: you could get more financial aid if you take more courses? This could help you
finish your studies sooner. As shown below, students who go full-time could receive twice as
much financial aid with the Pell Grant, which is free money that does not need to be repaid.
Credits Taken per Term
3
6
9
12

Maximum Pell Grant
$0
Up to $2,910
Up to $4,440
Up to $5,920

Still have questions? Visit the website listed above or call the Federal Student Aid Information
Center at 1-800-4FED-AID (1-800-433-3243). You can also go to your school’s financial aid office
for help.

Sincerely,
<>

You are being contacted because you agreed to participate in an external research project when you responded to the 2015-16 National Postsecondary
Student Aid Study (NPSAS:16). For more information go to: http://nces.ed.gov/surveys/npsas/grant/CSFA.
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) is authorized to conduct the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS) and its follow
up studies, including the Connecting Students with Financial Aid (CSFA) 2017 study, by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA 2002,
20 U.S.C., § 9543), and to collect as part of these studies, under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA, 34 CFR §§ 99.31(a)(3) and
99.35), students’ education records from educational agencies or institutions in connection with an evaluation of federally supported education
programs. Data collected from or about individual students are used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed or used, in identifiable
form, for any other purpose except as required by law (ESRA 2002, 20 U.S.C., § 9573). These data are being collected for NCES by RTI
International, a nonprofit research organization based in North Carolina.
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB
control number. The valid OMB control number for this voluntary information collection is 1850-NEW. The time required to complete this
information collection is estimated to average approximately 15 minutes per response, including the time to review instructions, gather the data
needed, and complete and review the information collection. If you have any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate, suggestions for
improving this survey, or any comments or concerns regarding the status of your individual submission of this survey, please write directly to: The
Connecting Students with Financial Aid (CSFA) Study, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Potomac Center Plaza, 550 12th St., SW,
PCP-4007, Washington, DC 20202

CSFA Intervention D (Submitted 2017-18) Email

<> Just a few more steps to get financial aid
<>

Maximum Pell Grant
$0
Up to $2,910
Up to $4,440
Up to $5,920

Remember, the FAFSA is FREE. If someone asks you to pay to fill it out, then you’re not working
with the official FAFSA, your link to get financial aid from the U.S. Department of Education.
Still have questions? Visit the website listed above or call the Federal Student Aid Information
Center at 1-800-4FED-AID (1-800-433-3243). You can also go to your school’s financial aid office
for help.

Sincerely,
<>

OMB Control Number: 1850-NEW
You are being contacted because you agreed to participate in an external research project when you responded to the
2015-16 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:16). Learn more about our confidentiality procedures at:
http://nces.ed.gov/surveys/npsas/grant/CSFA.

DO YOU NEED MONEY FOR COLLEGE?
Information to help you get the financial aid you need.

What do I need to complete the
FAFSA?
The FAFSA asks for information about you ( name, Social
Security number, date of birth, address, etc.) and about your
financial situation. You may also need to provide information
about your parents.

DigitalVision/PeopleImages.com/Getty Images

What is student financial aid?
Federal student aid is money from the U.S. Department of
Education that helps you pay for college, career school, or
graduate school expenses. More than $150 billion in federal
student aid is available through:
- Grants: Aid that does not need to be repaid
- Loan: Aid that must be repaid after leaving college
- Work study: Student job opportunities
Beyond federal aid, many students also get state financial aid
and aid from their colleges. You must fill out the FAFSA to get
these other sources of aid.

Who gets financial aid?

Many students get some type of student aid, regardless of
family income, age, or background. By completing the FAFSA,
you will learn exactly what aid is available to you from the
government and your college.

How do I apply for student aid?
Go to the Federal Student Aid website to get started:
http://XXXXXXXXXXXX.
1. Create an FSA ID.

Your FSA ID is used to confirm your identity and
electronically sign your federal aid documents. To create
an FSA ID, students and parents should go to the Federal
Student Aid website.
2. Complete the FAFSA, the U.S. Department of Education's

Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
If you need a paper FAFSA, contact ED Publications
at www.edpubs.gov or toll-free at 1-877-433-7827.
Completing and submitting the FAFSA is absolutely FREE.

For the 2017- 18 FAFSA, you will report income and tax
information from 2015. That means that if you completed the
FAFSA last year, you will use the same information this year!
When completing the FAFSA, consider using the IRS Data
Retrieval Tool, which allows you to copy over your income
and tax information.

Do I need to apply for financial
aid every year?
Yes! You must reapply for aid every year. Also, if you change
schools, your aid doesn’t automatically transfer with you.
Check with your new school to find out what you need to do
to continue receiving financial aid.

What happens after I submit the
FAFSA?
After you complete and submit your FAFSA, the U.S. Department of
Education will send you your Student Aid Report (SAR). Review it
and, if necessary, follow instructions to make changes or
corrections.
Review award letters, compare the types and amounts of aid
you are offered from each school, and contact the school’s
financial aid office if you have any questions about the aid
being offered.

Still have questions?
You never have to pay for help! Free help is
available at any time. For online help and
answers to common questions, scan this code
or go to http://go.usa.gov/x8vYc
You can also get free information and help from
the financial aid office at your school.
Or call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at
1-800-4FED-AID (1-800- 433-3243).

NCER-NPSAS Grant Studies Website
http://nces.ed.gov/surveys/npsas/grant/
Create category of Awards or NCER-NPSAS Grant Studies on left frame
-

Connecting Students with Financial Aid (CSFA) 2017

NCER-NPSAS Grant Study
Connecting Students with Financial Aid (CSFA) 2017: Testing the Effectiveness of FAFSA Interventions
on College Outcomes
Purpose
This NCER- NPSAS Grant Study – Connecting Students with Financial Aid (CSFA) 2017: Testing the
Effectiveness of FAFSA Interventions on College Outcomes investigates whether an intervention that
provides financial aid information to college students increases receipt of financial aid, enrollment on a
full-time (versus part-time) basis, persistence from semester to semester, and degree completion. This
research is being conducted under a grant awarded through the NCER-NPSAS grant opportunity. The
primary grantee is Bridget Terry Long, Harvard University (Grant Award #R305A160388) with co-principal
investigator Eric Bettinger, Stanford University. Data collection will be led by the contractor, RTI
International (RTI). A project description is available at:
http://ies.ed.gov/funding/grantsearch/details.asp?ID=1853).

NCER-NPSAS Grant Opportunity
In 2010, the National Center for Education Research (NCER) and the National Center for Education
Statistics (NCES), both within the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences (IES),
began collaborating on an education grant opportunity related to the cross-sectional National
Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS). Under the NCER-NPSAS grant opportunity, researchers could
submit applications to the Postsecondary and Adult Education topic within the Education Research
Grants program (CFDA 84.305A), under either the Exploration or Efficacy and Replication research goal.
Consistent with these two goals, NCER supports research projects using NPSAS to: 1) explore
relationships between malleable factors (e.g. information on benefits of financial aid and FAFSA
renewal) and postsecondary persistence and completion, as well as the mediators and moderators of
those relationships; and 2) evaluate the efficacy of interventions aimed at improving persistence and
completion of postsecondary education (e. g. financial aid and FAFSA renewal advice delivered via mail
and email). Researchers approved for funding through this program can obtain indirect access to a
subsample of the national NPSAS sample (after the study’s student interviews are completed) in order
to conduct unique research projects that adhere to the guidelines set forth in the Request for
Applications (RFA) for the Education Research Grants Program, as well as guidelines set forth by NCES
and the NPSAS program.
On July 1, 2016, two grants were awarded using a subsample of 2015-16 NPSAS sample members:
34

•

Financial Aid Nudges: A National Experiment to Increase Retention of Financial Aid and College
Persistence. A project description is posted here:
http://ies.ed.gov/funding/grantsearch/details.asp?ID=1848) , and

•

Could Connecting Students with Financial Aid Lead to Better College Outcomes? A Proposal to
Test the Effectiveness of FAFSA Interventions Using the NPSAS Sample (referred to as
“Connecting Students with Financial Aid (CSFA) 2017”). A project description is posted here:
http://ies.ed.gov/funding/grantsearch/details.asp?ID=1853).

Authority
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) is authorized to conduct the NCER-NPSAS grant
studies by the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (ESRA 2002, 20 U.S.C., § 9543), and to collect
students’ education records from educational agencies or institutions for the purposes of evaluating
Federally supported education programs under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA,
34 CFR §§ 99.31(a)(3) and 99.35). Data collected from or about individual students are used only for
statistical purposes and may not be disclosed or used, in identifiable form, for any other purpose
except as required by law (ESRA 2002, 20 U.S.C., § 9573). These data are being collected for NCES by
RTI International, a nonprofit research organization based in North Carolina.
Confidentiality
Since these NCER-NPSAS grant studies are conducted using a subset of NPSAS:16 sample members, all
data collection must be done through NCES and the NPSAS:16 data collection contractor, RTI
International. This ensures that the confidentiality of the study participants is protected. Specifically, the
grantee will have no access to personally identifiable information and may not have direct contact with
sample members. RTI International follows strict procedures to protect the privacy and confidentiality of
study participants. All project staff members have signed confidentiality agreements and affidavits of
nondisclosure. Any data released to the public will be in aggregate form (e.g., statistical tables, graphs).
Information obtained may be used only for statistical or research purposes and may not be disclosed,
or used, in identifiable form for any other purpose, except as required by law (ESRA 2002, 20 U.S.C. §
9573).
Paperwork Reduction Act
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection
of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. The valid OMB control number for this
voluntary information collection is 1850-XXXX. The time required to complete this information
collection is estimated to average approximately 10 minutes per response, including the time to review
instructions, gather the data needed, and complete and review the information collection. If you have
any comments concerning the accuracy of the time estimate, suggestions for improving this survey, or
any comments or concerns regarding the status of your individual submission of this survey, please
write directly to: The Connecting Students with Financial Aid (CSFA) Study, National Center for
Education Statistics (NCES), Potomac Center Plaza, 550 12th St., SW, PCP-4007, Washington, DC 20202.
OMB Clearance No: 1850-New Expiration Date: ##/##/2020

File Type	application/pdf
Author	Franklin, Jeff
File Modified	2017-05-14
File Created	2016-11-07