STEP 01

Create or Access Your StudentAid.gov Account

The first step in applying for federal student aid is creating or accessing your StudentAid.gov account. Your account username and password allow you to access Federal Student Aid websites, complete your FAFSA, and electronically sign federal student aid documents.

Each person who is required to provide information on your FAFSA, such as a parent or spouse, needs their own StudentAid.gov account.

STEP 02

Complete Your Free Application for Federal Student Aid

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is used to apply for federal student aid and may also be used to determine eligibility for certain state and school financial assistance programs.

Complete the FAFSA form or forms that correspond with your enrollment period. Include Summit Salon Academy Tampa in the school information section so the Academy can receive your FAFSA information.

Required contributors must complete their own sections of the FAFSA. Your FAFSA is not considered complete until all required contributors have completed and signed their sections.

You May Need to Complete Both FAFSA Forms

Both the 2026-27 and 2027-28 FAFSA forms are currently available. Because Summit Salon Academy programs may span more than one federal award year, some students may need to complete both FAFSA forms depending on their program start date, expected completion date, and applicable financial aid periods.

2026-27 FAFSA

The 2026-27 FAFSA applies to federal student aid for attendance between July 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027.

2027-28 FAFSA

The 2027-28 FAFSA applies to federal student aid for attendance between July 1, 2027 and June 30, 2028.

If you are unsure which FAFSA form or forms apply to your program dates, contact the Financial Aid Office for assistance.

2026-27 FAFSA Video Walkthrough

Use this walkthrough for assistance completing the 2026-27 FAFSA.

2027-28 FAFSA Video Walkthrough

Use this step-by-step walkthrough for assistance completing the 2027-28 FAFSA.

Do You Have a Special Circumstance?

Some students experience situations that may affect the financial aid process, including difficulty completing the FAFSA or significant changes in their financial or living circumstances. If you believe you have a special circumstance, the Financial Aid Office may be able to review your situation.

Complete and submit the FAFSA as instructed, then review the Special Circumstances information for additional guidance.

STEP 03

Complete Entrance Counseling

Entrance Counseling helps ensure that you understand the terms and conditions of your federal student loans and your rights and responsibilities as a borrower.

The counseling explains federal student loans, how interest works, repayment responsibilities, and information about avoiding delinquency and default.

Once you complete Entrance Counseling, the completion information is made available to the school as part of the federal student loan process.

STEP 04

Complete the Master Promissory Note

The Master Promissory Note, or MPN, for Direct Subsidized and Direct Unsubsidized Loans is a legal document in which you promise to repay your federal student loans and applicable interest and fees. The MPN also explains the terms and conditions associated with the loans.

The Financial Aid Office will determine which federal student loans, if any, you are eligible to receive.

STEP 05

Apply for a Parent PLUS Loan

Sometimes the financial assistance available to a dependent student may not cover all educational costs. An eligible parent may choose to apply for a Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan to help pay applicable educational expenses.

The Parent PLUS Loan is borrowed by the parent. If a parent intends to use a Parent PLUS Loan at Summit Salon Academy, the parent should complete the Federal Direct PLUS Worksheet and the Parent PLUS Master Promissory Note.

The Financial Aid Office will review the applicable information and determine how the Parent PLUS Loan fits within the student's financial aid eligibility and educational costs.

Financial Aid Office Review

After your FAFSA and other required information have been received, the Financial Aid Office will review your file to determine whether additional information or requirements are needed.

If additional information is required, the Financial Aid Office will contact you. Continue monitoring your communications and respond to requests as soon as possible to help prevent delays in completing the financial aid process.

STEP 06

College Finance Plan

Once the Financial Aid Office has reviewed your FAFSA and all required information has been completed, you will be presented with a College Finance Plan.

Your College Finance Plan provides information about your estimated educational costs, applicable financial assistance, and other information to help you understand your options for paying for your education at Summit Salon Academy.

Need Help Applying for Federal Student Aid?

If you have questions about which FAFSA form or forms to complete, your StudentAid.gov account, additional requirements, federal student loans, or your College Finance Plan, contact the Summit Salon Academy Financial Aid Office.