FAQs: Definitions
- What is a FAFSA transaction?
- What is a PIN?
- What is a Data Release Number (DRN)?
- What is my Expected Family Contribution (EFC)?
- What is a signature page?
- What is a Student Aid Report (SAR)?
What is a FAFSA transaction?
Each time a FAFSA or a correction to a FAFSA is processed, a transaction number is created. For example, you file your FAFSA and it is processed, creating Transaction 01. A correction to your Student Aid Report (SAR) is processed, creating Transaction 02. When another correction is processed, Transaction 03 is created.
Each time a new transaction is created, we send you a new Student Aid Report (SAR). All schools listed on the SAR will also receive updated information electronically.
- If you printed your SAR from this Web site, your transaction number is located in the upper right hand corner of the SAR, right after your partial Social Security Number and the first two letters of your last name.
- If you received a paper SAR, your transaction number is located in the lower right corner on each page of your SAR, right after your Social Security Number and the first two letters of your last name.
What is a PIN?
A PIN is a 4-digit number that is used in combination with your Social Security Number, name, and date of birth to identify you as someone who has the right to access your own personal information on Federal Student Aid Web sites, such as FAFSA on the Web. When you first apply for your PIN, it is considered to be conditional until your information is verified with the Social Security Administration (SSA). You may sign a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with it, but nothing else.
Once we complete verification with the SSA (1-3 days from the date you first apply), you will be able to use your PIN to access your personal information on any of these Federal Student Aid Web sites:
FAFSA on the Web at www.fafsa.ed.gov:
- Electronically sign your FAFSA (your parent can sign, too!).
- Pre-fill data in this year’s FAFSA on the Web application if you filed a FAFSA last year.
- Make online corrections to an existing FAFSA.
- View or print an online copy of your Student Aid Report (SAR).
The National Student Loan Data System Web site at www.nslds.ed.gov:
- View a history of any federal student aid that you have received.
Direct Loan Servicing Online at www.dl.ed.gov:
- Complete Entrance and Exit Counseling.
- Make online payments.
- Get up-to-date account information.
- Change billing options.
- Calculate a repayment schedule.
- Get interactive counseling on deferment and forbearance options for any of your Direct Loans.
Federal Direct Consolidation Loans Web site at www.loanconsolidation.ed.gov:
- Apply for a Direct Consolidation Loan.
- Track the processing status of your online application throughout the entire consolidation process.
Direct Loan Master Promissory Note Web site at www.dlenote.ed.gov:
- Electronically sign a master promissory note (MPN) for your Direct Loans.
Agreement to Serve (ATS) at www.teach-ats.ed.gov:
- Sign your ATS for the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program.
What is a Data Release Number (DRN)?
Your Data Release Number (DRN) is a four-digit number assigned to your application by Federal Student Aid. It will appear close to the top right hand corner on the first page of your paper or electronic Student Aid Report (SAR). If you file electronically, you will also find your DRN below the Confirmation Number on your submission confirmation page.
You will need the DRN if you contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center to make corrections to your mailing address or the schools you listed on your FAFSA. The DRN also allows you to release your FAFSA data to schools you did not list on your original FAFSA.
What is my Expected Family Contribution (EFC)?
The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) measures your family’s financial strength, and is used to determine your eligibility for federal student aid during one school year. You receive an EFC based on the processing results of your FAFSA.
For more information:
- Contact the financial aid administrator at your school.
- See Funding Education Beyond High School: The Guide to Federal Student Aid.
- See The EFC Formula.
- Call the Federal Student Aid Information Center. Refer to the Customer Service page for contact and assistance information.
What is a signature page?
If you choose not to sign your FAFSA electronically, then you (and at least one parent if you are a dependent student) can sign a paper signature page. For Corrections on the Web, a signature page from one of your parents is necessary only if parental data is provided or altered.
The signature page contains your Student ID and address. Your Student ID is made up of the type of application you completed, your Social Security Number, and the first two letters of your last name.
Once you print and sign the signature page, mail it to the address printed on the page.
What is a Student Aid Report (SAR)?
A Student Aid Report (SAR) is a document you will receive after your FAFSA is processed. Your SAR will list all of the answers you provided on your FAFSA. You should review these answers carefully to make sure they are correct.
TIP: If you need to make any changes, select Make Corrections to a Processed FAFSA under the FAFSA Follow-Up section of the home page. You can also make corrections on the paper SAR, if you received one, and mail it back to the address provided.
Your SAR will contain your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which measures your family’s financial strength and is used to determine your eligibility for federal student aid. Your school will use this number to determine how much financial aid you are eligible to receive based on your school’s cost of attendance.
If you did not provide electronic signatures or paper signature pages with your FAFSA, you must sign the paper SAR you will receive and mail it back to the address provided for final processing.
