Financial Aid (FASFA)

Free Application for Federal Student Aid - the FAFSA is used by students (and their parents) in order to receive government financial aid for college.  The FAFSA helps colleges and the U.S. Department of Education evaluate your financial need, and determine how much financial support you require. 

Open:  October 1 Changing to Dec 1

Deadline:  June 30 @ midnight CST

The earlier you file, the more grant money you are likely to receive (up to twice as much).

What You Will Need To Do:

Once you’re ready to begin the FAFSA, keep these tips in mind:

  1. Begin your FAFSA process by creating a FSA ID at FAFSA.gov. It’s your personal code for submitting the FAFSA when you’re ready. Your FSA ID will give you access to FSA online systems and can serve as your legal signature.

  2. Submit your FAFSA as soon as possible. Federal student aid applications can be submitted starting October 1 at FAFSA.gov. Federal financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so know your deadlines and apply as early as you can to maximize your financial aid.

  3. Think local. College and state financial aid deadlines vary by state. Check your state’s financial aid deadlines.

  4. Apply for the FAFSA annually. You need to fill out the FAFSA each year that you are—or plan to be—a student. The FAFSA is used by schools to put together your financial aid package for one year of college.

Avoid these Common Mistakes: 

Follow this link to read about and learn how to avoid 12 common FAFSA mistakes.