STEP 4 OF 7 · FAFSA CONTRIBUTORS
Understand Who May Need to Participate
Your FAFSA form will tell you whether a spouse, parent, or parent’s spouse or partner must participate as a contributor. Each contributor uses their own StudentAid.gov account, provides their own information, and signs their own section. Being a contributor does not make someone responsible for paying for your education.
Follow the Invitations in Your FAFSA Form
Answer the student questions first. The FAFSA form will identify any contributors who must participate and guide you through sending each invitation. Do not guess who should be included or share accounts—each person must complete their own required section.
Who Is a Contributor?
• You, the student, are a contributor to your FAFSA form.
• Depending on your answers, your spouse, biological or adoptive parent, or parent’s spouse or partner may also be required.
• The FAFSA form—not RACE—determines who must participate.
• Each required contributor provides information, consent and approval, and a signature for their own section.
Each Contributor Needs Their
Own Account
• Each contributor must use their own StudentAid.gov account.
• Never create an account for someone else or share usernames, passwords, or security codes.
• Each person completes and signs their own required section.
• All required contributors must finish their sections before the FAFSA form can be submitted.
What Being a Contributor Means
Being a contributor does not make someone financially responsible for your education or guarantee that you will receive student aid. It means the person is required to provide information, consent and approval, and a signature for the FAFSA form.
Each contributor enters personal and financial information only on StudentAid.gov. RACE does not need contributor tax records, Social Security numbers, login credentials, security codes, or FAFSA answers.
Therese can provide guidance without viewing or completing anyone’s section.