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.
*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.