of FAFSA.
Choosing a college can feel stressful enough on its own. Between applications, deadlines, and big decisions, FAFSA can feel like one more thing to figure out. Let us help take that off your plate, so you can spend less time worrying about forms and more time focusing on what matters most — your family.
guidance
jargon
Understanding
The Basics.
FAFSA stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It is the official application used by U.S. citizens and certain eligible noncitizens to apply for financial assistance for college, university, trade school, or career training programs.
For many families, FAFSA is the starting point for accessing financial aid. The application is administered by the U.S. Department of Education and is used to determine what types of financial assistance may be available to help students pay for higher education.
Completing FAFSA helps determine eligibility for several types of financial aid, including:
- Grants — financial assistance that generally does not need to be repaid, such as the Federal Pell Grant
- Work-study programs — part-time employment opportunities that allow students to earn money while attending school
- Federal student loans — loans that must be repaid, often with terms that may be more favorable than many private loans
Many states, colleges, universities, and career schools also use FAFSA information when determining their own scholarships, grants, and financial aid awards.
Even if you are unsure whether your family will qualify for need-based aid, completing FAFSA may still open the door to financial assistance opportunities that would otherwise not be available.
What FAFSA
May Help Cover?
Many families assume financial aid only helps pay tuition. In reality, the cost of attending college often includes many additional expenses beyond the cost of classes alone.
Depending on eligibility and the type of aid awarded, financial assistance may help cover:
- Tuition
- School fees
- Housing and meals
- Books and required course materials
- A laptop or required technology
- Transportation to and from school
These expenses can add up quickly throughout the academic year. Understanding the full cost of attendance can help families better evaluate the financial resources that may be available through FAFSA and other aid programs.
Why Applying
Early Matters.
Some types of financial aid may be limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Although submitting FAFSA does not guarantee a specific award, applying early may improve access to certain forms of financial aid and help families avoid unnecessary delays.
Completing FAFSA early can also provide more time to review financial aid offers, compare school costs, and plan for the upcoming academic year.
FAFSA typically opens in the fall for the following academic year. Because schools, states, and scholarship programs may have their own deadlines, it is often beneficial to begin the process as soon as possible rather than waiting until the last minute.
Documents & Information
You May Need.
Step 1. Create StudentAid.gov Accounts
The first step in the FAFSA process is creating StudentAid.gov accounts. Both the student and any required contributors must have their own accounts before the application can be completed. Each person must create and use their own account and login credentials.
Step 2. Gather Parent & Contributor Information
The next step is determining whose information may be required for the FAFSA application.
FAFSA requirements can vary depending on factors such as family structure, marital status, dependency status, and living arrangements. Depending on your circumstances, you may need information from required contributors, including names, dates of birth, Social Security Numbers (if applicable), contact information, and financial information such as taxes, income, and assets.
Step 3. Prepare Tax & Financial Information
FAFSA requires consent for the secure transfer of federal tax information directly from the IRS.
It may also be helpful to have recent tax returns available in case additional information is needed. Depending on your circumstances, you may also need information about income, checking and savings account balances, investments, certain business or farm assets, and other financial resources.
Step 4. Review Child Support Information
Depending on your family’s circumstances, FAFSA may require information about child support received during the applicable reporting period. Having this information available before starting the application can help ensure that all required financial information is reported accurately.
Step 5. Create Your School List
Before starting FAFSA, prepare a list of colleges, universities, trade schools, or career schools you are considering. You can include multiple schools on your FAFSA application, even if you have not yet applied or been accepted. Schools can also be added or updated later if your plans change.
Important: Every family’s situation is different. Additional documents or information may be required depending on your household structure, income, assets, citizenship status, dependency status, or other factors. Untangle is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education. We provide application support and guidance but do not determine eligibility for federal student aid or award financial assistance. Final eligibility and aid decisions are determined by the appropriate government agencies and educational institutions. Information provided on this page is intended for general educational purposes only and may not reflect the most current FAFSA requirements, regulations, or policy changes.
Common Questions
About FAFSA.
What is FAFSA and why is it important?
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the form used to determine eligibility for many types of financial aid, including grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and student loans. Many colleges, universities, trade schools, and career schools also use FAFSA information when awarding their own financial aid. Completing FAFSA may help students access financial assistance that can make education more affordable.
Should I apply if I am not sure I will qualify?
Yes. Many families assume they will not qualify and never apply. However, eligibility is based on multiple factors, and some forms of aid are not limited to low-income households. The only way to find out what aid may be available is to submit the application.
Do both parents need to provide information on the FAFSA form?
Not always. FAFSA requirements depend on the student’s family situation, including factors such as marital status, living arrangements, and dependency status. In some cases, information from one parent is required, while in others additional contributors may need to participate.
What if my parents are divorced, separated, or remarried?
Family situations such as divorce, separation, remarriage, guardianship, or blended families can affect whose information must be included on the FAFSA form. Because every situation is unique, it is important to understand contributor requirements before starting the application.
When is a student's spouse or a parent's spouse required on the FAFSA form?
FAFSA may require information from a student’s spouse or a parent’s spouse depending on the family’s circumstances and the student’s dependency status. Factors such as marriage, remarriage, household composition, and financial relationships can affect whose information must be included on the application.
May students without a Social Security Number (SSN) complete the FAFSA form?
In most cases, students must have a valid Social Security Number (SSN) to be eligible for federal student aid. Undocumented students, including DACA recipients, are generally not eligible for federal student aid. However, some students may still qualify for other types of financial assistance, including state aid, institutional aid offered by colleges or career schools, and private scholarships.
How can I check the status of my FAFSA application?
You can check the status of your FAFSA application by logging into your StudentAid.gov account. After submission, FAFSA will indicate whether your application has been processed or if additional information is needed. If you receive requests for corrections or documentation, responding promptly can help avoid delays.
What happens after FAFSA is submitted?
After submission, FAFSA information is reviewed and shared with eligible schools. Schools use this information, along with their own policies and requirements, to determine financial aid offers. In some cases, additional documentation or follow-up steps may be required before aid decisions are finalized.
Not Sure
Where To Start?
FAFSA can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to understand contributor requirements, financial information, and application deadlines. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
We’ll help you understand what may apply to your situation and guide you through the process step by step.