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Submitting the FAFSA is the first step towards getting federal and state aid for college or career school. You also have to complete the FAFSA to be eligible for grants, loans, and work-study funds. Many scholarship applications also require the FAFSA EFC printout.
The FAFSA process is changing and seniors will be able to complete their FAFSA starting in October. Click here to learn about the changes for 2017-18. Don't wait, just follow the steps below.
To get individualized guidance and help completing the forms, contact your high school counseling office.
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Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is used to apply for federal financial aid, such as grants, work-study programs, and loans. Federal student aid can be applied to tuition at community colleges and technical/trade schools as well as universities. All students who plan to continue their education after high school should complete the FAFSA, even if they think their family income is too high to qualify for federal aid. Most colleges and career schools use FAFSA information to award additional aid that helps make up the difference between what a school costs and what a family can be expected to contribute through income, savings, loans, and student earnings. States, including Maryland, also use the FAFSA to award state aid.
Begin researching federal and nonfederal aid before your senior year. The FAFSA4caster provides families of younger students a financial planning tool. Parents can enter some basic information and the website will predict their child’s eligibility for federal student aid. Predictions appear in a College Cost Worksheet that can be used to estimate other student aid as well as projected savings that can help finance a college education.
WARNING: Please be aware that many scams appear each year attempting to get families to pay for information that is free. Specifically, families are targeted by “scholarship companies” that promise to complete FAFSA applications and/or guarantee scholarships for a fee (often as much as $1,500). Scholarship and FAFSA information is available for FREE at all high schools, colleges, and on the internet.
Myths About the FAFSA
If you think you shouldn’t fill out the FAFSA because your family income is too high, your grades are too low, or the form is too difficult to complete, think again.
Steps to Federal Student Aid
1. Apply for a FSA ID . A Federal Student Aid ID (this replaces the PIN) enables you to sign U.S. Department of Education forms electronically. Students and parents will both need a FSA ID. NOTE: If you already have a PIN, you can link your information to your new FSA ID by entering your PIN while registering for your FSA ID.
2. Gather the documents needed to complete the FAFSA. In addition to Social Security and driver’s license numbers, you will need specific tax forms and banking information.
3. Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1 of your senior year but before March 1 to qualify for Maryland state aid.
4. Review your Student Aid Report (SAR) for accuracy and resubmit with corrections if needed. Your complete SAR will contain your Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
5. The financial aid office at the college or trade school you plan to attend might require additional information or forms from you. Be sure to meet all deadlines.
6. The college or trade school will tell you how much aid you can receive at that school. Review financial aid award letters from schools to compare amounts and types of aid being offered. Contact the college financial aid office if you have questions. Click here to see a sample award package.
Visit Student Aid on the Web for more information on federal aid and the FAFSA. Contact your school counselor for additional assistance.
Begin researching federal and nonfederal aid before your senior year. The FAFSA4caster provides families of younger students a financial planning tool. Parents can enter some basic information and the website will predict their child’s eligibility for federal student aid. Predictions appear in a College Cost Worksheet that can be used to estimate other student aid as well as projected savings that can help finance a college education.
WARNING: Please be aware that many scams appear each year attempting to get families to pay for information that is free. Specifically, families are targeted by “scholarship companies” that promise to complete FAFSA applications and/or guarantee scholarships for a fee (often as much as $1,500). Scholarship and FAFSA information is available for FREE at all high schools, colleges, and on the internet.
Myths About the FAFSA
If you think you shouldn’t fill out the FAFSA because your family income is too high, your grades are too low, or the form is too difficult to complete, think again.
Steps to Federal Student Aid
1. Apply for a FSA ID . A Federal Student Aid ID (this replaces the PIN) enables you to sign U.S. Department of Education forms electronically. Students and parents will both need a FSA ID. NOTE: If you already have a PIN, you can link your information to your new FSA ID by entering your PIN while registering for your FSA ID.
2. Gather the documents needed to complete the FAFSA. In addition to Social Security and driver’s license numbers, you will need specific tax forms and banking information.
3. Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1 of your senior year but before March 1 to qualify for Maryland state aid.
4. Review your Student Aid Report (SAR) for accuracy and resubmit with corrections if needed. Your complete SAR will contain your Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
5. The financial aid office at the college or trade school you plan to attend might require additional information or forms from you. Be sure to meet all deadlines.
6. The college or trade school will tell you how much aid you can receive at that school. Review financial aid award letters from schools to compare amounts and types of aid being offered. Contact the college financial aid office if you have questions. Click here to see a sample award package.
Visit Student Aid on the Web for more information on federal aid and the FAFSA. Contact your school counselor for additional assistance.
