All About the FAFSA

FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and it’s the first step to getting financial assistance for college. While filling out the form is probably about as much fun as doing your taxes or a trip to the dentist, the FAFSA is the link between you and your financial aid. So, plan on filling it out this year, and every year you want to be considered for aid. While there are lots of acronyms and jargon, once you get the hang of it, you’ll see it’s not that bad.

Keep in mind!

FAFSA for all
Whether you are attending a two- or four-year college, university or vocational school, to get the most financial aid, you must fill out your FAFSA. Also, check with your college’s financial aid office to make sure there are no additional applications you need to fill out for financial aid at your school.

Submit soon!
The sooner, the better because some aid is first-come, first-serve. If you don't submit the form by your school's deadline, you may not receive all the aid you are eligible for. Use estimated figures if you and your family have not completed your tax returns by mid-January. (Note: when you use estimated income, you will need to update your information once you've completed your taxes.)

Remember, the FAFSA is free
Do not use a service that requires you to pay a fee to submit your free application! Instead, be sure to use the free federal website to submit your FAFSA.

Expressing interest in aid doesn't obligate you
If you answer "yes" when asked about whether you are interested in different types of aid (e.g.,work-study or student loans), the school may offer you those types of aid as part of your package. While you will not be obligated to use the aid awarded, keep in mind that some aid, such as work-study programs, may be first-come, first-serve. If you answer "no" to the work-study question and later change your mind, a work-study job may not be available.

Use your real name
Be sure to use the legal name that appears on your Social Security card. Nicknames will cause a delay in processing your application.

"You" is the student
The words "you" and "your" on the FAFSA always refer to the student, not the parents.

Help is available
The Federal Student Aid Information Center is a great resource. Call them at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) with questions about FAFSA on the web or the paper application process. Or visit www.fafsa.ed.gov. You can also call us at 1-888-448-2424. We're always happy to help!

Before you submit!

Make a copy
You should always keep one for your records. Just print out the completed online form before you submit it.

Sign your application!
If you don't sign the form, you will still receive a Student Aid Report (SAR), but you won't receive aid. Use your PIN to sign the online application.