2020-2021 Federal Student Aid Handbook in PDF Format

Posted Date May 22, 2020

Volume Application and Verification Guide

The Application and Verification Guide is presented as a master PDF file, comprised of a table of contents and chapters, followed by separate PDF files for each chapter of the volume. Look right to see all the hyperlinked titles for each chapter (listed as attachments). Opening the PDF files requires version 4.0 or greater of the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software.

Posted Date July 20, 2020

Volume Volume 1 - Student Eligibility

Volume 1 of the 2020-2021 Federal Student Aid Handbook is presented as a master PDF file, comprising of a table of contents and chapters, followed by separate PDF files for each chapter of the volume. Look right to see all the hyperlinked titles for each chapter (listed as attachments). Opening the PDF files requires version 4.0 or greater of the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software.

Posted Date February 25, 2021

Volume Volume 2 – School Eligibility and Operations

Volume 2 of the 2020-2021 Federal Student Aid Handbook is presented as a master PDF file, comprising of a table of contents and chapters, followed by separate PDF files for each chapter of the volume. Look right to see all the hyperlinked titles for each chapter (listed as attachments). Opening the PDF files requires version 4.0 or greater of the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software.

Posted Date February 04, 2021

Volume Volume 3 – Calculating Awards & Packaging

Volume 3 of the 2020-2021 Federal Student Aid Handbook is presented as a master PDF file, comprising of a table of contents and chapters, followed by separate PDF files for each chapter of the volume. Look right to see all the hyperlinked titles for each chapter (listed as attachments). Opening the PDF files requires version 4.0 or greater of the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software.

Posted Date August 27, 2020

Volume Volume 4 – Processing Aid and Managing FSA Funds

Volume 4 of the 2020-2021 Federal Student Aid Handbook is presented as a master PDF file, comprising of a table of contents and chapters, followed by separate PDF files for each chapter of the volume and two appendices. Look right to see all the hyperlinked titles for each chapter and appendix (listed as attachments). Opening the PDF files requires version 4.0 or greater of the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software.

Posted Date July 27, 2020

Volume Volume 5 - Withdrawals and the Return of Title IV Funds

Volume 5 of the 2020-2021 Federal Student Aid Handbook is presented as a master PDF file, comprising of a table of contents and chapters, followed by separate PDF files for each chapter of the volume. Look right to see all the hyperlinked titles for each chapter (listed as attachments). Opening the PDF files requires version 4.0 or greater of the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software.

Posted Date November 20, 2020

Volume Volume 6 – The Campus-Based Programs

Volume 6 of the 2020-2021 Federal Student Aid Handbook is presented as a master PDF file, comprising of a table of contents and chapters, followed by separate PDF files for each chapter of the volume. Look right to see all the hyperlinked titles for each chapter (listed as attachments). Opening the PDF files requires version 4.0 or greater of the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software.

The errata and updates below are items that were amended after the initial PDF files were posted to the Web.

For questions about the Handbook contents, you can contact the Schools Publications staff at: fsaschoolspubs@ed.gov.

Application and Verification Guide

Date

Description

Location

Updated Files Posted June 12, 2020

We changed the section heading to "Individuals who can’t get a VNF letter." View the change.

Chapter 4, P. AVG-98

Updated Files Posted June 12, 2020

We removed the last sentence on the page because it referenced outdated guidance regarding the use of professional judgment for persons receiving unemployment benefits.

Chapter 5, P. AVG-125

Volume 1 - Student Eligibility

Date

Description

Location

Updated Files Posted October 5, 2020

Under the heading "SAP new/conflicting information requirements," we clarified the requirements for when a school may recalculate a student’s prior SAP evaluation and disburse Title IV aid based on grade changes. View the change.

Chapter 1, P. 1-22

Posted Date February 26, 2021

Volume Volume Appendices A-G [2020-2021 Federal Student Aid Handbook]

Appendices A-G of the 2020-2021 Federal Student Aid Handbook are presented as separate PDF files for each Appendix. Opening the PDF files requires version 4.0 or greater of the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software.