Most students need help to pay for college, and completing the FAFSA®
(Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the first, crucial step.
The FAFSA is the only path to federal student aid, including grants, work-study funds, and loans.
Additionally, many state and institutional scholarships require a
completed FAFSA to determine eligibility.
Here’s Why You Should Finish Your FAFSA.

By finishing your FAFSA, you’ll have a better learning and college experience. You get free money, a better foundation for your future, freedom to explore opportunities and experiences, new friends and a university family — in essence, your fabulousness.
The best part? Submitting the FAFSA form is free and easier than ever, and it gives you access to federal student aid — the largest source of aid — ensuring that you have the resources you need to make your college dreams a reality.
Finish Your FAFSA. Find Your Free Money.

Your College Journey
Begins With One Important Step.
You’ll be on your way to a fabulous future in no time with the new FAFSA. Just remember:
Start early!
The sooner you apply, the better your chances of receiving aid, as some funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
BE PREPARED.
You’ll need your Social Security number, federal income tax returns, W-2s, and other records of income. For dependent students, this includes your parents’ information.
Double-Check Everything.
Go over everything for accuracy, and re-check the form before submitting. Errors on your FAFSA can delay processing and impact your financial aid.
Here’s what to expect with the new FAFSA form
The FAFSA form has been streamlined — it has fewer questions, less requirements, and is easier to complete. The eligibility criteria for Federal Pell Grants has been adjusted to increase the number of students who will qualify. New terminology has been added to make the purpose of the FAFSA clearer, and overall, the user experience is much better.
