Your key to the help
you need.
FAFSA INTRO |
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the single most important financial aid form you will complete as you apply to college. The earlier in the year that you fill it out, the more aid will still be available that you could be eligible for. You can submit your FAFSA online or on paper, and it's totally free. It may not be the only form you'll need for a particular loan, grant or scholarship, but it's the most common way schools figure how much help you'll need to close the gap when paying for college. Don't wait! If you turn it in too late, you could be missing out on thousands of dollars in aid. Take your time to fill it out carefully — it really will pay off.
It's important to submit a FAFSA every year you need financial aid, even if you think you don't qualify. Your eligibility can change each year, especially if there are changes to your family's circumstances. Keep in mind that if you're rejected for federal financial aid, it can be a prerequisite for qualifying for private awards.
BEFORE |
Before You Fill It Out
Get started as soon as possible after January 1.
The FAFSA On The Web Worksheet can be a valuable tool as you and your family prepare to fill out your application online. It's a good checklist for making sure you've gathered all the information you need to get started.
Check out the FAFSA4Caster at the Department of Education's FAFSA website. You'll get an early estimate of your eligibility for financial aid, and you'll get some practice filling out your information on the web before you take on the real thing. You can also apply for your Federal Student Aid PIN ahead of time, so you'll be prepared when it's time to fill out your application.
DURING |
When You're Ready
Gather all your financial information, including tax returns, and head over to the Department of Education's FAFSA website to begin your application.
Filling out your FAFSA application online is not only less time-consuming for you, but it helps speed up the process in general so you can make decisions when you're ready.
Keep in mind that you can save your application in progress at any time, and it will hold your place for up to 45 days until you come back to complete it.
AFTER
When You've Finished
You'll need to electronically sign your application using your Federal Student Aid PIN. If you haven't gotten a PIN yet, don't worry. You can request one during the application process and get it immediately. Don't lose track of your PIN, as this is your online identification. You can use it to check the status of your application and make any changes later.
Provide an email address and you can receive an on-the-spot estimate of your EFC before your application is processed. This can help you get a ballpark idea of your financial situation before you hear back from the government officially.
Be sure to specify which colleges you'd like to receive the results of your FAFSA application. You can add or delete schools on your list online or over the phone.
Your Student Aid Report will be available online if you completed FAFSA On The Web, or it will be mailed within two to three weeks if you completed a paper version.