Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

To apply for federal financial aid, you must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). Find out how to complete the form and other key information you need to know.

Student Aid Index

Student Aid Index (SAI) has replaced the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Learn how schools determine how much federal student aid you will receive.

The FAFSA Is Open: 3 Steps to Take Now

The 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is open. This is your chance to obtain federal student aid to help pay for your college or postsecondary education.

What is a FSA (Federal Student Aid) ID?

As you prepare to fill out the FAFSA, one of the first things you need to do is create an FSA ID. This is an account username and password for students and parents to access the FAFSA and sign the application electronically.

The FAFSA Is Changing. What Can You Do Now To Prepare?

And you might have heard, the FAFSA® is changing due to a comprehensive overhaul of the federal student aid system. What does this mean for high school seniors preparing for college?

Senior Year: Financial Aid Checklist

To make the financial aid process as easy as possible and ensure you maximize your financial aid opportunities, it’s helpful to know what steps you should take, and when. Use the timeline as a guide to apply for financial aid during your senior year of high school.

Financial Aid Glossary: Learn the Lingo

FAFSA, net price, priority date—you may come across some unfamiliar terms as you start looking into and applying for financial aid. Here’s a glossary to help you make sense of it all.

What’s FAFSA Verification?

Verification is a federal financial aid process that ensures the information submitted on a student’s FAFSA is correct. This is a routine part of the financial aid process every year for many students across the country.

How to Complete the FAFSA

To apply for federal financial aid, you must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). Find out how to complete the form and other key information you need to know at the links below.

Everything You Need to Know About the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

Filling out the FAFSA® is the only way to apply for federal financial aid. However, states, colleges, and even scholarship providers may also use the FAFSA to determine eligibility for the financial aid they provide.

Get Help Paying for College

Most students get help paying for college. Use these resources to figure out how to find and apply for financial aid and scholarships, and how to understand the difference between gift aid, loans, and work-study jobs.