Secure Your Future

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.

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✦The FAFSA is Open: 3 Things You Should Do Now✦

How to Prepare

The FAFSA Essentials

The 2025–26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is now open to all students. Here are some essential resources to help you complete your application. 

Start Your FAFSA Application

Applying for the FAFSA is the most vital step to receiving federal aid. Federal Student Aid provides information about the application, federal and state deadlines, and frequently asked questions to assist in completing your application. 

Start Application

Who counts as a parent on the FAFSA form?

Unsure if you need to ask your parent(s) to provide information on the FAFSA? Use this tool to determine which parent(s) should participate.

Use Tool

Federal Student Aid YouTube Channel: FAFSA Videos

Updated videos to help students and families understand the importance of the FAFSA form, who is a FAFSA contributor, and what happens after submitting the form.

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BigFuture Resources and Tools

Discover how to finance your college education with in-depth articles, use our estimator tools to manage expenses, and find scholarship opportunities to support your journey.

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FAFSA Topics

To apply for federal financial aid, you must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Utilize these topics to understand the application process and prepare yourself to qualify for federal financial aid opportunities. 

Review Topics
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Find The Right Scholarships for You

Use College Board Scholarship search to find matches from over 27,000 programs, totaling over $1.5 billion in scholarship dollars yearly. 

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Net Price Calculator

The sticker price posted on a college’s website is not necessarily what you will pay. You can also use the College Board Net Price Calculator to estimate your net price at hundreds of colleges after financial aid is factored in.

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Financial Aid Quiz

This quiz provides an estimated range of your Student Aid Index (SAI), which helps colleges and schools determine how much federal financial aid you may qualify for.

Take the Quiz