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Self-Study Guide FAQs

What are Self-Study Guides?

Designed for self-paced learners, NASFAA Self-Study Guides enable independent study and include quizzes, learning activities, and self-evaluation, delivered in PDF or e-reader format. Self-Study Guides are updated annually.

How much do the Self-Study Guides cost?

NASFAA U Self-Study Guides start at $129 for members. See the individual topics for member and non-member pricing.

How often are Self-Study Guides updated?

NASFAA’s Self-Study Guides and supporting materials are released each spring and reflect guidance for the award year in their titles (for example, the 2026-27 Application Process Self-Study Guide). A new purchase is required for each award year, regardless of when the guide is purchased.

Published materials may not immediately reflect changes made as a result of updated guidance from the U.S. Department of Education (ED), but will be updated as needed. The most up-to-date version of the Self-Study Guide will always be available in the File Access Center.  

As always, financial aid administrators should monitor ED guidance throughout the year to stay aware of any changes

What formats are available for Self-Study Guides?

Self-Study Guides are available as PDFs or in an interactive e-reader format (for NASFAA members only) through the RedShelf platform.

e-Reader Platform Transition Notice - July 2026

In late July 2026, NASFAA will transition from its current e-Reader platform (RedShelf) to VitalSource. Only the 2026–27 editions of the e-Reader Self-Study Guides will be available in the new platform.

  • To retain access to earlier editions, please download PDF copies from NASFAA’s File Access Center by June 30, 2026.
  • Please note that highlights, notes, and flashcards created in RedShelf within the 2026–27 Self-Study Guides will not transfer to VitalSource. We encourage you to save any important content before July 2026.

Additional guidance on accessing VitalSource will be shared closer to the transition date.


How do I get started using the RedShelf e-Reader platform?RedShelf QR Code

  1. Go to the app store for your device and find the "RedShelf eReader" app, or scan this QR code >>
  2. Upon download, request a password reset using the email address used for your myNASFAA account.
  3. Follow the link to reset your password. We recommend using the same one used for myNASFAA, but it's not required. The password must contain at least one capital letter, a number, a symbol, and be at least 8 characters long.
  4. After you change your password and log in, your titles will be available in the app.

What are the features of the e-Reader format?

The e-reader format lets you highlight, take notes, and create flashcards right in your Self-Study Guide. To learn more, visit RedShelf's Overview page. Please note that due to the transition to a new e-Reader platform in late July, any highlights, notes, or flashcards created in the current version will not transfer to the new platform.

How do I access my Self-Study Guides as PDFs?

Visit our File Access Center to access the Self-Study Guides available to you.

Who has access to the Self-Study Guides?

All Self-Study Guide purchases are available to all members of your roster. To share these documents with colleagues, direct them to log in and visit the File Access Center. If they aren't on your roster, they can create an account to be included.

Which Self-Study Guides are included with my institution’s NASFAA Membership?

  • The Standard Member Package does not include any Self-Study Guides; however, it does include a discount price for each guide.
  • The Value Member Package includes six topics: Overview of the Financial Aid Process, Application Process, Student Eligibility, Cost of Attendance, Need Analysis: Federal & Institutional Methodology, and Verification.
  • The Value Plus Member Package includes all 17 topics.
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