Financial Matters: Get Ready to File the FAFSA

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the primary form used by colleges to determine eligibility for need-based aid. A small number of colleges will not even consider an applicant for merit aid unless that student has first submitted a FAFSA. Therefore, the FAFSA should be filed as soon as possible after October 1st of the student’s senior year, and then yearly while attending college. The FAFSA collects basic information about both the student’s and his/her parents’ incomes and assets and uses this information to determine an expected family contribution (EFC).

The EFC is the amount that the student and family are expected to contribute towards that individual’s college expenses during the next academic year. (Please note, the actual cost of attendance for the family may be higher than the EFC.) The difference between the EFC and the total cost of attendance at your college of choice is known as demonstrated need. Colleges use this information to prepare a customized financial aid package for each admitted student who qualifies for financial aid. The package may include both grants and loans, as well as self-help such as work-study opportunities. Unfortunately, fewer than 75 colleges guarantee to meet 100% of established needs, so financial aid may not cover all of your expenses at a particular college.

Complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. You’ll need your prior, prior-year tax return and other financial records noted on the site. You’ll also want to apply for a Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID) for both the student and a parent so you can sign your form electronically.

Families of underclassmen can get an early estimate of eligibility for aid by completing the FAFSA4caster available at fafsa.ed.gov. This tool will also provide information about other sources of financial aid for college.

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