What is the FAFSA?
The Free Application for Federal Student
Aid (FAFSA) is the key that opens the door to financial aid. It
serves as the application for most of the financial aid from
federal and state programs and from colleges and
universities.
Even if you are not sure that you will need financial aid, we
recommend that you fill out a FAFSA anyway -- it's free.
The FAFSA opens on October 1 each year.
Don't wait! Submit your FAFSA right after it
opens, and double-check your state and college deadlines so you
don't miss out on financial aid.
The quickest and most accurate way to file the FAFSA is
online. The FAFSA site is available in Spanish.
The FAFSA is an important first step in applying for
financial aid, but some colleges and universities require
additional forms before they can send you an award letter. These
may include the CSS Profile, college aid applications, or
verification documents.
After submitting your FAFSA, check with each school you
listed to find out exactly what they need and when it's due --
missing a required form could delay or reduce your financial aid
offer.