What is the FAFSA?
The FAFSA is a form that determines how eligible you are for financial aid. It collects information from you and your parents and uses a formula to determine your expected family contribution when paying for college. As a student, you will apply in your senior fall of high school. Even though it might be an extra step in the admissions process, its benefits far outweigh that time, and it’s not a hard process!
What Do I Need to Fill Out the FAFSA?
FSA ID (click here to create one) - make sure to keep it in a safe place since you will need it every year
2019 Tax Return (applies to the class of 2025) and W-2 Forms
Records of non-taxable income (child support, interest income)
Records of assets (investment property, savings accounts, etc)
Where Do I Fill Out the FAFSA?
Go to fafsa.gov to fill out your FAFSA.
FAFSA opens Oct. 1 and closes June 3. However, the earlier you file the more grant money you are likely to receive, so apply as close to Oct. 1 as possible!
Check with each college you are applying to as they often have their own deadlines
This can usually be found on the admissions or financial aid website
Check with each college to see if they have any other required financial forms.
Most colleges have a financial aid calculator on their website, which is a great tool to estimate your aid before you receive your package.
Even if you feel you won’t be eligible for financial aid, apply anyways since FAFSA is sometimes used for grants and merit-aid.
Photo Credit: Photos by QuinceCreative from Pixabay