Transfer Guide and Process

Start at Athens State at any time during the year! Use our step-by-step guide (linked below) to correctly transfer your FAFSA to Athens State University!

FAFSA Transfer Guide

Add us to your FAFSA – 001008

After the FAFSA

  • Review your Student Aid Report (SAR) carefully.  The SAR is the official record that proves the federal processor received your FAFSA. If you find any errors on your SAR, you should correct your FAFSA online. Unresolved errors could impact your federal aid awards.
  • Contact your current school to cancel any future financial aid.
  • Carefully read all emails, letters, and texts from the Athens State Office of Student Financial Aid.  If we are contacting you, it’s important!  Email is the primary way our office with contact you, but we may also call or text you to help you complete the financial aid process.  
  • Make sure all documents you submit are complete, accurate, and signed as required (tax forms typically require a signature and a date).
  • You will have additional steps if you plan to accept student loans. Complete the Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling online. You may transfer your Entrance Counseling if you have already completed it.

If your financial situation changes after you submit your FAFSA or if the information submitted does not reflect your situation, you may be eligible to appeal. Changes in finances due to a reduction in income, a change in marital status, the death of a parent/spouse, or other special circumstances may greatly impact a family’s ability to pay for college. The Department of Education allows financial aid administrators to use Professional Judgment on a case-by-case basis to make adjustments to the data used in calculating the Student Aid Index (SAI) to reflect these special circumstances.  If your family is experiencing financial issues (such as the loss of a job, reduction of income, or other extenuating circumstances) and would like to learn more about the appeal process, please contact us at finaid@xunli.net.

The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It is the form that the federal government uses to determine your eligibility for federal aid. This aid can include grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans. Some assistance is awarded on a first-come-first-served basis so complete today!

To start, Create your Federal Student Aid (FSA) IDs before you begin the FAFSA to prevent delays.

    • Remember, do NOT use your school email to create your FSA ID.
    • Enter your name and social security number exactly as it appears on your social security card.  Double-check for errors.
    • If you are a dependent student, a parent will also need to create a separate FSA ID to use for signing the FAFSA.
  • Financial Aid PRO Tip: Add October 1 as a reminder on your calendar so you can apply early!  You don’t have to wait until you have been accepted to college to apply for financial aid.

You need to complete the FAFSA every year that you want to be considered for financial aid.  Review all of your information every year because your eligibility may change depending on your family’s circumstances.

The 2024-2025 FAFSA, will be available on October 1, 2023, and used for Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025 terms. You will use your 2022 income information on the application.

The 2025-2026 FAFSA will be available on or before Dec. 1, 2024, and used for the Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026 terms. You will use your 2023 income information on the application.

Form Your Future creates an easy-to-follow Guide that clearly explains the FAFSA process and answers the most common questions from low-income students and parents.

Free Assistance is available in applying for aid from the North Alabama Center for Educational Excellence (NACEE). NACEE also provides academic, career, and personal counseling as well as a variety of tutoring options. The locations are:

Huntsville Central Office
4900 Suite B Century St.
Huntsville, AL 35618
Phone: 256-372-4600
Scottsboro
610 Broad St.
Scottsboro, AL 35768
Phone: 256-259-3072