Applying for college is exciting, but figuring out how to pay for it can feel overwhelming. That’s where the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) comes in! The FAFSA is your gateway to grants, work-study opportunities, and federal student loans that can make college more affordable.
Don’t let the form intimidate you—millions of students complete it every year, and you can too! This guide breaks down the process into simple, manageable steps.
What Is the FAFSA and Why Is It Important?
The FAFSA determines your eligibility for:
- Federal grants (money you don’t have to pay back!)
- Work-study programs (part-time jobs on campus)
- Federal student loans (typically with better terms than private loans)
- Many state and college-specific financial aid programs
Even if you don’t think you’ll qualify for aid, it’s worth applying. Many colleges require a completed FAFSA to consider you for any institutional scholarships or grants.
When to Apply
Mark these dates on your calendar:
- October 1st: FAFSA becomes available for the next academic year
- June 30th: Federal deadline (but don’t wait this long!)
- State and college deadlines: Often much earlier than the federal deadline
Pro tip: Apply as early as possible! Some aid is first-come, first-served, and earlier applicants often receive more generous financial aid packages.
What You’ll Need Before Starting
Gather these items before sitting down to complete the FAFSA:
- Your Social Security Number
- Your driver’s license (if you have one)
- Your federal income tax returns and W-2s (and your parents’ if you’re a dependent student)
- Records of untaxed income
- Information on cash, savings, and checking account balances
- FSA ID (you’ll create this during the process)
Step 1: Create Your FSA ID
The FSA ID is your electronic signature for federal student aid documents.
- Go to studentaid.gov and select “Create Account”
- Provide your email address, name, date of birth, and Social Security Number
- Create a unique username and password
- Set up your challenge questions and answers
Remember to keep your FSA ID secure! If you’re a dependent student, one of your parents will need to create their own FSA ID as well.
Step 2: Start Your FAFSA Application
- Visit studentaid.gov and click “Apply for Aid”
- Select “Start the FAFSA form” or “Log In”
- Choose the correct school year you’re applying for
- Follow the instructions to start a new FAFSA or renew your previous one
Step 3: Fill Out the Student Information Section
You’ll need to provide:
- Your name, address, and contact information
- Social Security Number
- Citizenship status
- Marital status
- Education history
- Selective Service registration (for males)
- Drug conviction information
Be careful to enter your information exactly as it appears on official documents.
Step 4: List Your Schools
Add every college you’re considering, even if you haven’t applied or been accepted yet.
- You can list up to 10 schools at a time
- Schools won’t see other colleges you’ve listed
- Use the search function to find each school’s federal code
Step 5: Answer Questions About Your Dependency Status
The FAFSA will ask questions to determine if you’re a dependent or independent student. Most high school students are considered dependents, meaning parent information is required.
Step 6: Provide Parent Information (if required)
If you’re a dependent student, you’ll need to provide:
- Parents’ names, birth dates, and Social Security Numbers
- Marital status and household size
- Financial information from tax returns
- Information about assets and investments
Step 7: Supply Financial Information
You’ll be asked about your (and possibly your parents’) finances:
- Income tax information
- Current balances of cash, savings, and checking accounts
- Investments and business assets
The IRS Data Retrieval Tool can automatically transfer tax information to your FAFSA—use it if you can!
Step 8: Sign and Submit
- Review all information carefully
- Use your FSA ID to sign electronically
- Have your parent sign with their FSA ID (if applicable)
- Submit your application
- Print or save the confirmation page
What Happens Next?
After submission:
- You’ll receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) within a few days to three weeks
- Review your SAR for accuracy and make corrections if needed
- Colleges you listed will receive your information
- Schools will send financial aid award letters if you’re accepted
Final Tips for Success
- Complete the FAFSA even if you think you won’t qualify. You might be surprised!
- Don’t pay anyone to fill out the FAFSA for you. Free help is available through your school counselor, college financial aid offices, or at studentaid.gov.
- Reapply every year. You need to submit a new FAFSA for each academic year.
- Meet all deadlines. Mark them on your calendar and set reminders.
Remember, you are capable of completing this important step toward your education! Taking the time to submit a careful, accurate FAFSA application can open doors to financial assistance that makes your college dreams possible.
Your future is bright, and completing the FAFSA is a crucial step toward making your educational goals a reality. Start the process today!