How to Get Started - Completing the FAFSA

Summer 2024 classes:
Please complete your 2023-24 FAFSA

Fall 2024 classes:
Current 24-25 FAFSA's are delayed, so expect to see your financial aid mid-summer.
Please keep mind your payments are due July 10, 2024. All payment arrangements should be made with the Office of Student Accounts or through your BaronOne account.

Need help filling out your 24-25 FAFSA?
Come to one of our workshops by clicking the link below!

1. When completing financial aid and loan applications, create your FSA ID and your electronic signature. If you are a dependent student, your parent(s) must also create one. 
   Click here to create or manage your FSA ID.

2. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov. The application is typically available October 1, before the school year for which you wish to receive federal and state aid. The FAFSA form will be available in December 2023 because significant changes and improvements are coming to the 2024-25 form. The changes to the FAFSA form for the 2024-25 aid year include expanded eligibility for federal student aid and a more streamlined application process. 

   Click here and use RCBC’s federal school code: 007730

3. View your Student Aid Report (SAR) at fafsa.gov within two weeks after filing the FAFSA. You may also need to provide additional information to RCBC. Log into BaronOne to check your document requirements in the Financial Aid section of Self-Service.​

​Additional information – December 2023:

The soft launch of the 2024-25 FAFSA will enable students to complete their FAFSA online by 12/31/23! Please keep an eye out on studentaid.gov for the actual release date.

What you can do now:

• Create your account on StudentAid.gov
• If your parent or spouse needs to contribute information to the FAFSA have them create their account on StudentAid.gov
  • To learn more about contributors click here
• Check out the https://studentaid.gov/aid-estimator to see what you may qualify for

What to expect during the soft launch mean?

• Planned pauses for maintenance/ updates
• Possible waiting room feature to help control website volume
• Applications completed during the “soft launch” will be stored for processing and sent to their school in late January

What does this mean for students and their families?

• As records won’t be transmitted to the schools until late January students have some time to complete their app, but should be mindful of state aid deadlines.
• NJ Residents must now complete their state application separately
  • Upon completion of the FAFSA the student will be directed to a state approved URL.