Need financial assistance for college? The first place to start is with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). As the name implies, this is a free form that is filed for consideration of federal grants and loans through the U.S. Department of Education. Keep in mind there are websites and organizations that may try to charge to file the FASFA, but don’t use them! It is a free form that is user-friendly enough to file on your own.
What type of aid is covered with the FASFA? By completing this form, you are applying for the federal Pell Grant, federal loans, Federal Work Study, and possibly Perkins Loan and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG).
How do I apply? The FAFSA is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Paper applications are also available, although many colleges no longer use the paper form. If you require a paper form, check with your local high school or library for an application. The easiest way to gather information to file the FAFSA is to print the Pre-application Worksheet from the FAFSA website under Step 1. Using this worksheet, you can complete all information on paper before filing electronically. The worksheet is designed to follow the online application.
What documents do I need? There are a number of documents you need to have at your fingertips to complete the worksheet The FAFSA website has a checklist you can print prior to competing the form. Once you have this information, you will be able to complete the FAFSA Pre-application Worksheet, and then file the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
What happens after the FAFSA is filed? Once you have filed the FAFSA electronically, you will receive a transmission confirmation page and a summary of the form. Print these documents for your records. The FAFSA federal processor will calculate an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) based on the information you provided, and will then send the information and EFC to the school(s) you selected on the FAFSA application. The school(s) will then prepare your financial aid package.
Are there any other forms I need to complete besides the FAFSA? Some schools do require a supplemental application specific to their institution. You should check with your school to see if any additional forms are required.