FAFSA

Join us for our open FAFSA office hours every Wednesday in August (12pm est).

What is the FAFSA?

FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It's a form used by the U.S. government to determine your eligibility for federal financial aid to help pay for college or career school.

Key points about FAFSA:

• Free to complete: There's no cost to fill out the FAFSA.
• Access to federal aid: It's your gateway to grants, work-study jobs, and loans.
• Used by states and colleges: Many states and schools also use FAFSA information to determine eligibility for their own financial aid programs.
• Annual application: You need to complete a new FAFSA each year you're enrolled in school.

By filling out the FAFSA, you're taking an important step towards making college more affordable.

How do I apply?

Steps to Apply:

1. Create an FSA ID: This is a username and password you'll use to access your FAFSA and other federal student aid information. Both you and a parent (if you're a dependent student) will need an FSA ID.

2. Gather Necessary Information: You'll need information about yourself, your parents (if you're a dependent student), and your financial situation. This includes Social Security numbers, tax returns, income information, and more.

3. Complete the FAFSA Form: You can complete the FAFSA online at fafsa.gov. The form will ask for information about you, your family, and your financial situation.

4. Sign and Submit: Both you and a parent (if applicable) will need to sign the FAFSA electronically using your FSA ID. Once signed, submit the form.

5. Review Financial Aid Offer: After your FAFSA is processed, your school will send you a financial aid offer. This will outline the types and amounts of aid you're eligible for.

Important Tips:

• Start early: The FAFSA becomes available on October 1st for the following academic year. Filing early can increase your chances of receiving aid.
• Be accurate: Provide accurate and complete information on your FAFSA. Errors can delay processing or reduce your eligibility for aid.
• List all schools: You can list up to 10 schools on your FAFSA. This allows them to see your financial information and determine your eligibility for aid.
• Review your FAFSA: After submitting, review your FAFSA to ensure all information is correct.

When is it due?

There are three main types of FAFSA deadlines:

1. Federal Deadline: This is the same for everyone and is always June 30th of the year for which you're seeking aid. For example, the deadline for the 2024-2025 school year is June 30, 2025. All corrections have to be submitted by September 14, 2025.

2. State Deadlines: Each state has its own deadline. Some states have early deadlines for priority consideration or to qualify for certain state-specific aid programs.

3. School Deadlines: Individual colleges and universities often have their own FAFSA deadlines, which can be earlier than the state or federal deadlines.

Important: To maximize your chances of receiving financial aid, it's crucial to submit your FAFSA as early as possible.