Applying for Financial Aid

The amount and type of federal student aid you could receive doesn’t always depend solely on financial need. Don’t assume you’re not eligible. Many students are surprised by the amount of aid they can receive. Take the time to apply.

The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This is a free application! Through the FAFSA you are applying for a variety of student financial aid programs such as grants, work-study and loans. The FAFSA is available in several formats, including online, PDF and paper. The best option is to complete the online version at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Get an early estimate with FAFSA4caster

If you want to find out how much federal student aid you might be eligible for, FAFSA4caster is for you. This free online tool can help you and your family prepare financially for college before officially applying for federal student aid. After completing a short questionnaire, you will get an instant estimate that outlines the type and amount of federal aid you could be eligible to receive. You can use this tool even if you’re not attending college this fall.

Check out other areas of this section for more information on applying for financial aid.