FAFSA stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It is an online form that is new and improved!
Watch the video below to learn what types of financial aid you can receive by submitting the FAFSA.
How does FAFSA work?
Both the student and their parents/guardians need to have their own separate accounts. Each will fill out their own relevant sections of the form. The form pulls tax data directly from the IRS. You select what colleges you want the form sent to.
Need is based on the Student Aid Index formula. It is determined by looking at your tax information from two years before the year you wish to enroll. For example, if you are looking at enrolling in college in the 2025-2026 academic year, FAFSA looks at your 2023 tax information.
Here’s a link to the Federal Student Aid’s website for how to fill out the FAFSA.
Once the form is submitted and processed, the Department of Educations sends your information to the colleges you identified. They will match your information and need to grants, loans, scholarships, and /or work-study. If you are admitted to the college, they will provide you with your financial aid package. You need to have submitted an admission application to the college before they can award you financial aid.
When should I submit FAFSA?
Your senior year of high school when you are applying to colleges. FAFSA opens October 1st and it is recommended you submit your form as soon as possible.
Note, you will need to resubmit FAFSA every year while in college to continue to receive financial aid.
Ready to submit your FAFSA?
Click this link to go to the FAFSA Form.