Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how to access federal grants, work-study programs, and low-interest loans to help pay for your post-secondary education.
The Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an application used to determine your eligibility for various types of financial assistance to pay for college or vocational training.
Who it's for
This application is for anyone pursuing post-secondary education. Whether you are looking into traditional university degrees or other types of higher education, this process is the standard way to check what support is available to you.
What you get
By completing this application, you gain access to federal grants, work-study programs, and low-interest loans. Grants are a form of aid that typically does not need to be repaid, while work-study programs allow you to earn money through part-time jobs. Low-interest loans provide a way to borrow funds for your education that are managed through federal programs.
What it costs you
There is no direct cost to file the application. However, there is a time commitment involved, as you must file this application every single year you are enrolled in school to ensure your funding remains active. You will need to provide the necessary financial and personal information required by the Department of Education to complete the process successfully each year.
The catch to know
The most important thing to remember is that you must file the application even if you think you won't qualify for any financial assistance. Because the application serves as the essential gateway for all types of federal aid, failing to submit it means you cannot access the resources available to you.
How to apply
- Gather your necessary financial and personal documents to ensure you have accurate information.
- Visit the official federal student aid website to begin the process.
- Complete the application form in its entirety.
- Submit the form to the Department of Education for review.