Understand the FAFSA

Financial Aid Resources

The following are helpful websites on Financial Aid Information:

http://www.fafsa.ed.gov
This is the website you use to complete the FAFSA online and lists federal school codes.

http://www.getreadyforcollege.org
This website offers information on preparing, selecting, and paying for college starting in 7th grade. It also has free publications to browse, order, or download.

http://www.federalstudentaid.ed.gov
Student Aid on the Web provides information on planning for college, paying for college, and repaying student loans. It also explains the different types of aid students can receive.
You can also access the FAFSA 4caster to get an early estimate of aid eligibility.

http://www.students.gov
This site has a multitude of links to help students plan for their education and find financial aid. Included are links to state financial aid sources and to federal government agencies that provide funds for college

FAFSA

Free Application for Federal Student Aid The FAFSA is the form the federal government uses to determine your eligibility for aid, which can include grants, loans, scholarships and work-study. You can apply online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. The FAFSA will determine your EFC (expected family contribution). This is the amount of money your family is expected to contribute for college costs. From there, grants, loans and work study is awarded to meet the remaining need. These funds can come from federal, state, and private sources.

Tips For Completing The FAFSA Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1st. This will maximize your chances for aid. You can save your FAFSA as you go along and come back to add to or change information as desired. Submit the FAFSA even if you don't think you will qualify for aid. Make sure you thoroughly check for errors when you complete the FAFSA. Filling out the FAFSA online is quicker, easier, and reduces the chances for errors.

The Student Aid Report (SAR) The Student Aid Report is proof that your FAFSA was received.  You will receive it in 4-6 weeks if you completed the paper FAFSA, or 1-2 weeks after filing the FAFSA online.  On receipt of the SAR, you must check it over for errors.  If any errors exist, let the financial aid office of the college to be attended know.  They will directly make the changes.