StudentZona - Caring For A Better Student Life And Learning

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, more commonly referred to as the FAFSA, is the application all college and university students in the United States must fill out for help with college expenses. This application is lengthy and can be confusing for first-time applicants. The following will address some frequently asked questions about the FAFSA in an attempt to make the completion of it easier.

Question: Do I have to fill out the FAFSA even if I’m only interested in grants and don’t want loans?
Answer: Absolutely. The government uses the same application to award grants as it does to award loans. Also, most universities will not consider you for many scholarships unless you have already filled out a FAFSA.

Question: Do my parents have to fill out their financial information?
Answer: Unless you are 24 or legally emancipated when you are filing your FAFSA, your parents must fill out their portion. While it may seem unfair, this is the way it’s done.

Question: Can I fill out my FAFSA online?
Answer: Yes. Simply go here and begin. You may also be able to fill out a paper copy through your school’s financial aid office, although many schools are moving towards electronic filing only.

Question: Do I have to file my taxes before filling out the FAFSA?
Answer: While having your taxes filed is not necessary before filling out your FAFSA, it is helpful to do so, so that you will not have to make corrections later.

Question: Do I have to file a FAFSA every year I’m in college?
Answer: Yes, although after filing your first FAFSA all you have to do is fill out a renewal FAFSA for each subsequent year which takes less time.

Question: How do I find my school code?
Answer: You can ask your college or university or find it online at the FAFSA site.

Question: How long does it take for me to get my aid?
Answer: It takes about two weeks for your college to receive your FAFSA results upon its completion. After it is received it can take upwards of a couple weeks for your college to process.

Question: Do I have to file by a certain date?
Answer: Technically, you can file your FAFSA until June 30, although it is advisable to file prior to March 1 of the year you are planning to attend, as aid is given on a first come, first serve basis and people you file earlier tend to get more aid than those who file later.

Have more questions that weren’t answered here? Contact your college or universities financial aid department!