The college preparation process can be stressful. Deciding what you want to major in, where you want to attend college, and how you will pay for it are all decisions that take time and consideration. On top of all of these decisons, you have to deal with the stress and confusion of FAFSA. What is FAFSA? Do I need to fill it out? It is our hope that the following information and resources will ease the stress of college preparation for you and your family.
What is FAFSA?
FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It is a form completed by college students to determine who should receive financial aid and how much they should receive.
When can I apply for FAFSA?
The first day you can apply for FAFSA is October 1st.
When is the FAFSA deadline?
The deadline depends on the colleges you are applying to and your state of residence. It is recommended to fill out the FAFSA as soon as possible to get you in the front of the line for financial aid.
My parents income is high, do I still need to apply for the FAFSA?
It is recommended to apply even if you do not think you will qualify for financial aid. Technically, there is no income limit. On top of that, many scholarships and grants require that you fill out FAFSA in order to receive the money.
I have applied to multiple colleges; how do I know which ones to send my FAFSA to?
You are able to send your FAFSA to up to 10 different colleges. As you start to make decisions on what college you will be attending, you are able to add and remove colleges.
What information will I need to complete my FAFSA?
Some information that will help you will out your FAFSA is:
- Your FAFSA ID
- Your social security number.
- Your driver's license.
- W-2 forms from the previous year.
- Your most recent federal income tax return.
- Your parents most recent federal income tax return.
- Current bank statements.
These are just a few examples of documents you may need while filling out FAFSA. The type of documentation needed will vary depending on the individual and their situation.
FAFSA Application