FAFSA® Basics
FAFSA® stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It’s a form you fill out to ask for money to help pay for college or career school. The money can come from the federal government, your state, or your school.
Why is the FAFSA® important?
FAFSA® can help you get grants (free money you don’t have to pay back), loans (money you borrow and pay back later), and work-study jobs (where you work part-time to help pay for school). If you don’t fill out the FAFSA®, you might miss out on money that could make school more affordable.
Who should fill out the FAFSA®?
Anyone planning to go to college or career school should fill out the FAFSA®. Even if you think your family makes too much money, you might still qualify for some aid.
When do you fill it out?
You should fill out the FAFSA® as soon as you can after it opens (usually every year on October 1). Some money is first-come, first-served, so it’s better to apply early.
What do you need to fill it out?
You’ll need:
Your Social Security number
Your parents' tax information
Your income information (if you have a job)
A list of the schools you want to attend
What happens after you apply?
After you fill out the FAFSA®, you’ll get a Submission Summary. This is a summary of the information you gave on your FAFSA after it’s been reviewed by the U.S. Department of Education. It acts like a receipt and lets you check that everything is correct. It also shows if you’re eligible for federal student aid.. Your schools will also look at your FAFSA® to decide how much money they can offer you.
Quick Tips
Apply early. FAFSA opens October 1 and some aid is first-come, first-served.
Always apply. Even if you think you won’t qualify, you might still get aid.
Gather documents first, like your Social Security number, tax info, and school list.
Check your Submission Summary to confirm accuracy and aid eligibility.