FAFSA

What is FAFSA?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form that current and prospective college students complete to determine their eligibility for financial aid.

It’s one of the most important steps you can take toward making college affordable and accessible. By applying for Federal Student Aid, you can tap into many resources for funding your academic pursuits and avoid or reduce the financial burden you might otherwise accrue. Don’t overlook this opportunity to access the largest source of financial aid to help pay for college or career school.

How FAFSA Helps

The FAFSA opens the door to a wide range of financial assistance options, including federal grants, work-study programs, low-interest student loans, scholarships and state or institutional funding.

There are no income restrictions; students from all financial backgrounds may qualify for aid. The FAFSA determines your eligibility for:

  • Federal Grants – This need-based aid, such as the Pell Grant, generally does not require repayment.
  • Work-Study Programs – The Federal Work-Study Program gives you an opportunity to gain valuable, part-time work experience while attending school, and help cover day-to-day expenses.
  • Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans – These loans offer lower interest rates and flexible repayment options compared to private loans. They also qualify for forgiveness programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
  • State and School-base Aid – Many states and colleges use FAFSA information to award their own grants and scholarships. Some merit-based programs also require FAFSA completion, so filing early can improve your chances since some funds are limited.

Resources for Applying

Start your application process at the official FAFSA website, where you can create an FSA ID and access official guides.

The following sites also have helpful information and resources for securing Federal Student Aid:

  • USAGov FAFSA page – Deadlines, eligibility and tips.
  • Financial Aid Toolkit – A Federal Student Aid search tool to find nearly any type of FAFSA information source.
  • Free local assistance – A list of government, nonprofit, and higher education institutions that offer in-person and virtual help.
  • get2college – Detailed information about several of the best, free FAFSA resources.

Important Deadlines

Typically, FAFSA becomes available on October 1 and is due by June 30 (midnight, Central time) for the following academic year.

Even with that deadline, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA as early as possible, as many schools distribute funding on a first-come, first-served basis, and early submissions may be given priority.

  • There are two other key FAFSA deadlines to consider when filling out your form:
  • College – Each college or university has a different financial aid deadline, though many tend to align with FAFSA’s deadline. You can find yours by looking at the financial aid page of your school’s website. 
  • State – As with federal student aid, many states have limited funds and hand out assistance on a first-come, first-served basis. FAFSA.gov provides a list of state deadlines. You don’t need to apply directly to your state to qualify for aid; instead, you need to submit your FAFSA by June 30. 

Ready to Apply?

Start your Federal Student Aid Application here!

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