The U.S. Education Department (ED) this week launched its first mobile app to apply for federal student aid.
The myStudentAid app is available for iOS and Android devices and allows students and parents to complete and submit a new or renewal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2019–20 FAFSA processing cycle.
The app makes the application process more positive, engaging and user-friendly, according to ED, and provides several useful and time-saving features. Students can use its myCollegeScorecard feature to view and compare additional information about the schools they selected on their FAFSA.
In addition, eligible students and parents may use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (IRS DRT) to electronically transfer federal tax return information into their FAFSA form. Also, students in certain states can transfer their FAFSA information into their state aid application. Participating states include Iowa, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont.
Other features on the app allow families to:
- manage their username and password through the profile feature.
- view federal student aid history using the myFederalLoans option.
- get in touch with federal student aid contact centers to have questions answered.
- access StudentAid.gov, ED’s key source of information about the federal student aid programs, application process and loan repayment options.
