The FAFSA

The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is the first and most important step in securing financial assistance for college.  The FAFSA is integral for receiving aid in virtually almost any format: Scholarship, Grant, or Loans.  Completing the FAFSA automatically applies you for several National and State programs like the Pell Grant (national) and the Promise Scholarship (state) - as well as need based scholarships within your individual colleges/universities.  If you are thinking of continuing your education after high school whether it is at a four year school, two year school or a vocational/technical school, you should file your FAFSA - even if you do not think you're eligible for financial assistance.

The FAFSA is available at 12:04 am on October 1st at fafsa.gov. Submitting the FAFSA electronically is the single fastest way to file your FAFSA, but you may also:

• Fill out a PDF FAFSA (PDF FAFSAs may be filled out electronically or by pen but they MUST be physically mailed by the filer for processing) and mail it to
  • Federal Student Aid Programs
    P.O. Box 7002
    Mt. Vernon, IL 62864-0072
• Request a paper and pen copy of the FAFSA by calling 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) or 319-337-5665.
  If you are hearing impaired, contact the TTY line at 1-800-730-8913.

·Why to fill out the FAFSA ·How to compare award letters ·Finding scholarships ·What to know about student loans …And so much more! Check out the must-see video series.Watch by topic or the entire show to tackle questions about paying for college. They can be shown in the classroom, at financial aid nights, and more! Get started atwww.PayForCollegeResource.com

*Filing your FAFSA should be free.  Do not pay scam sites to file your FAFSA.*

For additional assistance with financial aid and completing the FAFSA, contact your school counselor.