FAFSA: Your Gateway to Aid
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens each October and determines eligibility for federal loans, grants, and work-study. Most colleges also use it for institutional aid. Filing FAFSA is free, always.
What FAFSA Determines
| Aid Type | Detail |
|---|---|
| Pell Grant | Free money for undergraduates with financial need |
| Subsidized loans | Federal loans; government pays interest while in school |
| Unsubsidized loans | Federal loans; interest accrues immediately |
| Work-study | Part-time on-campus jobs |
| Institutional aid | School grants/scholarships |
Step-by-Step
- Create an FSA ID (studentaid.gov) before filing
- Gather tax returns, W-2s, asset info
- File FAFSA as early as possible after October 1
- List up to 20 schools
- Receive Student Aid Index (SAI) and FAFSA Submission Summary
- Schools send financial aid letters
CSS Profile
Some private schools (Harvard, Yale, Stanford, etc.) require the CSS Profile too. It is more detailed than FAFSA and has a small fee.
For Non-Citizens
- US citizens and permanent residents (green card holders): full FAFSA eligibility
- Many DACA recipients: limited federal aid but state aid varies
- International students: not FAFSA-eligible, but many schools have institutional aid
Common Mistakes
- Filing late (aid can run out)
- Mistyping SSN or tax info
- Skipping because you assume you won't qualify
- Not renewing each year
Key takeaway: File FAFSA early and every year. It unlocks most US college financial aid.