FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the application colleges use to determine eligibility for federal, state, and college-sponsored financial aid, including grants, educational loans, and work-study programs.
FAFSA - Not sure what to do next? Click here for more info.
Financial Aid Tools and Calculators
Financial Aid Overview - See where your financial aid is going.
INTERNAL LINK Click here to create your FSA ID (FAFSA Digital Signature)
To start the FAFSA application process, go to www.fafsa.gov
Para comenzar el proceso de aplicacion de FAFSA, vaya a https://fafsa.ed.gov/es_ES/ind
Important FAFSA Information
* The FAFSA is a requirement for ALL college admissions. If your family does not qualify for financial aid, the FAFSA is still required. It may help students earn scholarships, grants, or provide lower interest rates on loans.
* Submit the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1, 2016, for the 2017/2018 college year. You may have to submit your FAFSA twice, once to make the initial deadline by using your 2015 federal tax returns and once after your family completes their 2016 federal tax returns. (Please Note: you need to meet the “college” FAFSA deadline, which is much earlier than the “federal” FAFSA deadline.)
* Many priority financial aid deadlines for colleges/universities is in February. To get the best financial award package, apply by the colleges’ priority date.
* It is also important for your family to make contact with the financial aid office with the colleges the student applies to in order to ensure they have received all the necessary information by the deadline. Keep copies of everything you send.
* Want to know more about Financial Aid in a hurry? Text "Hi Otter" to (360)928-7281
Understanding "Grants vs. Loans"
* Federal GRANTS are available for students attending colleges, including career colleges and universities. Grants, unlike loans, do not have to be repaid.
* Federal student LOANS allow students and their parents to borrow money to help pay for college. They have low interest rates and offer flexible repayment terms, benefits, and options.
* Subsidized loans are federally guaranteed loans based on financial need. Interest does not accrue on the loan while you are in school at least half time, or during any future deferment periods. The federal government "subsidizes" (or pays) the interest during these times. Additionally, there are maximum amounts you can receive per school year.
* Unsubsidized loans are federally guaranteed loans that are notbased on financial need. Interest does accrue from the time the loan is disbursed to the school. Additionally, there are maximum amounts you can receive per school year for dependent and independent students.
Understanding "Expected Family Contribution"
All college students are expected to contribute towards their education costs. How much you and your family will be expected to contribute depends on your financial situation — and is what’s called your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The FAFSA is the form the U.S. Department of Education requires to determine your EFC. The government conducts a “need analysis” based on financial information, such as income, assets, and other family information, which you (and your parents if you are a dependent student) will be asked to provide.
Use the Net Price Calculator
All undergraduate colleges are required to have a net price calculator on their website. This provides students with an estimated cost to attend college. Here is a link for students to estimate their costs: netpricecalculator.collegeboard.org
Understanding "More About Finacial Aid & College Loans"
- "How to Pay for College"
- Your Financial Aid Award Explained
- How to Compare Financial Aid Awards
- Which College Loans are Best?
- Financial Aid Calendar
- Student's Guide to Financial Aid Online
Go to www.CollegeMapper.com for a FREE Personalized Plan for College Admissions with Videos to Help!
FAFSA Assistant
This free and unique interactive tool offers students and families tips and advice they can use to prepare for completing the FAFSA. Using answers to several personal questions, the tool will provide families with guidance to help ensure they have the necessary documents on hand when completing the FAFSA.
The FAFSA assistant is supported with a number of useful articles, videos and resources to help guide families through the financial aid process.