What is FAFSA?
FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
What is federal student aid?
It’s money from the federal government—specifically, the U.S. Department of Education—that helps you pay for college or career school. More than $150 billion in federal student aid is available through grants, work-study, and loans every year.
Who gets federal student aid?
Every student who meets certain eligibility requirements can get some type of federal student aid, regardless of age or family income. The most basic eligibility requirements are that you must
• demonstrate financial need
• be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen;
• have a valid Social Security number;
• register (if you haven’t already) with Selective Service if you’re a male between the ages of 18 and 25;
• maintain satisfactory academic progress in college
*Source: U.S. Department of Education
Who should complete the FAFSA?
All eligible college-bound high school seniors should complete the FAFSA. Students who are not "eligible" may still need to complete the FAFSA for certain scholarships. Talk to your counselor if you have questions!