Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Over $120 billion in federal financial aid is awarded to U.S. students each year. If you don’t submit the FAFSA, you could be missing out on free money for college. You must complete the FAFSA each year to apply for federal financial aid. The FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal and state-based financial aid such as grants, work-study, and student loans. You can complete your FAFSA at fafsa.gov or use the official myStudentAid mobile app from Federal Student Aid. FAFSA is available on October 1. You should file the FAFSA as soon as possible during your senior year (and each year you are in college).
Every college-bound senior should file a FAFSA, regardless of income. You never know what you’ll be awarded unless you apply. MANY scholarships (whether need or merit-based) require you to submit the FAFSA as part of the application process.