The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is the essential first step students must take to apply for college financial aid.  https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

About FAFSA

FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid that is required to be used by all higher education schools in awarding federal student aid. FAFSA is important - Money for college starts with FAFSA. FAFSA can help students to qualify for grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal student loans.

Find a Financial Aid 101 Guide here

WHAT DO STUDENTS/PARENTS NEED?

• FSA ID (parent and student) create IDs @ www.studentaid.gov.
• Your social security number, driver‘s license, and/or A-number if not a U.S. citizen.
• Your federal 2023 income tax returns, W-2s, and other records of money earned.
• Your parent‘s 2023 income tax returns, W-2 forms, and 1040 forms if you‘re a dependent.
• Bank statements, records of investments and untaxed income (if applicable).
• A list of your post secondary schools.

2024-2025 FAFSA COMPLETION TIMELINE:

• December 1, 2024 - FAFSA opens. Refer to specific private college and university websites for their FAFSA deadline details.