1. Who can apply?
Eligible individuals:
2. What types of aid are available?
Aid falls into two groups:
3. When do I apply?
Start early. You can complete the FAFSA as early as October 1st of each year. The aid awarded from this application is available for use in August of the same year it is completed. You must fill out the FAFSA every year you wish to receive aid.
4. Where can I apply?
The FAFSA is only available on the Federal Student Aid website. If you complete the FASFA through another website, you might get scammed.
REMEMBER: The FAFSA is always provided free of charge by the federal government.
5. Why should I apply?
The college determines a Cost of Attendance (COA). This is an estimate of student expenses. COA usually includes tuition, fees, living expenses (room and board), books and supplies, and transportation. COA will differ from college to college due to the different types of colleges, programs they offer, and living arrangements. At each college, the financial aid office will calculate your financial need.
Colleges, universities, and many vocational schools provide financial aid to students to help pay for tuition and other college-related expenses. Many times this aid does not cover the full cost. The difference between the COA and the amount of financial aid offered by the college is referred to as the gap. You and your family will be responsible for paying the “gap”.
By submitting your FAFSA you can get money to help to pay for some of the “gap” expenses.
Other financial aid resources: