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FAFSA

Editor's Picks for FAFSA

Elaine Rubin

UPDATED INFORMATION: FAFSA Delays Impacting College Decisions

By Elaine Rubin
On April 4, 2024, the U.S. Department of Education announced the reprocessing of all FAFSA applications affected by errors in transferring IRS information. These were the issues identified on April 1. This corrective action is scheduled for the first half of April.
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Are You Ready for the FAFSA?

In this video, learn about what you should know when it comes to this FAFSA season!

Are You Ready for the FAFSA?

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Elaine Rubin

FAFSA 2023-2024 Guide & Resources

By Elaine Rubin
Need help filing the FAFSA® (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)? Use this guide to walk your through the process.  
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Elaine Rubin

Filing the FAFSA 2025-2026: A Simple Guide for Students

By Elaine Rubin
Understand how and when to file the FAFSA, and get answers to the most common questions students and parents encounter when applying for federal financial aid.
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Most Popular FAFSA Articles

Elaine Rubin

FAFSA Deadlines for 2025-2026

By Elaine Rubin
Updated on
FAFSA deadlines can vary. The FAFSA for the 2025-2026 academic year opens on October 1st and remains open until June 30, 2026. However to improve your chances of getting more aid, file as soon as you can and certainly well before any applicable deadlines noted below. 
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Elaine Rubin

FAFSA at Any Income Level

By Elaine Rubin
Updated on
Some wealthy parents ask whether it is worthwhile to apply for financial aid if they earn a high income. Every student should file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) every year, even if he or she did not receive any other types of aid during the previous year.
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arrow right FAFSA Application

Elaine Rubin

Financial Aid Eligibility and FAFSA Requirements

By Elaine Rubin
Updated on
Wondering if you are eligible for financial aid, if filling out the FAFSA will be helpful or not? We explain eligibility requirements for receiving financial aid.
Elaine Rubin

Filing the FAFSA 2025-2026: A Simple Guide for Students

By Elaine Rubin
Updated on
Understand how and when to file the FAFSA, and get answers to the most common questions students and parents encounter when applying for federal financial aid.
Elaine Rubin

FAFSA Deadlines for 2025-2026

By Elaine Rubin
Updated on
FAFSA deadlines can vary. The FAFSA for the 2025-2026 academic year opens on October 1st and remains open until June 30, 2026. However to improve your chances of getting more aid, file as soon as you can and certainly well before any applicable deadlines noted below. 
Elaine Rubin

Student Aid Index

By Elaine Rubin
Updated on
Starting in the 2024-2025 year, the EFC will be replaced with the Student Aid Index or SAI. Your SAI is calculated based on the information provided in the FAFSA.
Elaine Rubin

FAFSA Dependency Status Questions

By Elaine Rubin
Updated on
When you file the FAFSA you will either file as a dependent or independent student. Here's how to figure out your dependency status when it comes to filing the FAFSA.
Elaine Rubin

Who is My Parent When I Fill Out the FAFSA?

By Elaine Rubin
Updated on
If the FAFSA determines you are a dependent undergraduate student, you will need to provide one or both of your parent(s)’ information on the FAFSA.
Elaine Rubin

FAFSA School Selection

By Elaine Rubin
Updated on
The school selection section of the FAFSA will allow you to list up to 20 schools at one time. You don't need to wait until you know where you're going to complete the FAFSA. 
Elaine Rubin

FAFSA® Student and Parent Financial Information

By Elaine Rubin
Updated on
When filing the FAFSA® you will need to provide certain financial information, including income and tax information. Dependent students will also need to provide financial information for one or both parents depending on household status.
Elaine Rubin

Financial Aid Appeal: How to Get More Financial Aid

By Elaine Rubin
Updated on
If you did not receive enough financial aid, you can file an appeal. An appeal allows you to request an increase in financial aid. To file an appeal, you will first need to contact the financial aid office for your school.

arrow right FASFA Tips & Advice

Elaine Rubin

Expected Family Contribution

By Elaine Rubin
Updated on
Expected family contribution is an index that determines how much financial aid you are eligible for. It’s important to understand what it is and how it effects how much you need to pay for college.
Elaine Rubin

FAFSA at Any Income Level

By Elaine Rubin
Updated on
Some wealthy parents ask whether it is worthwhile to apply for financial aid if they earn a high income. Every student should file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) every year, even if he or she did not receive any other types of aid during the previous year.
Elaine Rubin

FAFSA® FAQ - Your FAFSA® Questions Answered

By Elaine Rubin
Updated on
FAFSA questions answered! Quick simple answers to the most common questions asked about the FAFSA.
Elaine Rubin

Financial Aid Appeal: How to Get More Financial Aid

By Elaine Rubin
Updated on
If you did not receive enough financial aid, you can file an appeal. An appeal allows you to request an increase in financial aid. To file an appeal, you will first need to contact the financial aid office for your school.
Elaine Rubin

What is Financial Aid, Types and How Students Can Apply

By Elaine Rubin
Updated on
Financial aid is money in the form of loans, scholarships, and grants that can help you pay for college. The most important action you can take when applying for financial aid is to file the FAFSA.
Penny Redlin

Merit vs Need-Based Financial Aid

By Penny Redlin
Updated on

Financial aid can often be an important consideration for students and families managing the expenses of higher education. Financial aid can be broadly classified into two main categories: merit-based and need-based aid. Gaining a good understanding of these two types is vital for students and families looking to pay for college with the least amount of debt.

Penny Redlin

Do You Have to Pay Back Financial Aid

By Penny Redlin
Updated on

Financial aid serves as an important resource for students looking to pursue higher education. A common question that arises when discussing financial aid is whether it needs to be paid back. This depends largely on the type of aid received.

Nina Krecicki

Financial Aid Options for Graduate Students

By Nina Krecicki
Updated on
Financial aid can play a big role in supporting graduate students as they look to advance their studies. Many graduate programs can be expensive, and financial aid, whether in the form of grants, scholarships, or loans, can make these programs more accessible to a diverse range of students. 
Rebecca Doucette

How Much Financial Aid Can You Expect

By Rebecca Doucette
Updated on
Financial aid is important for making higher education accessible to a broader range of students. Through grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and student loans, financial aid can significantly reduce the financial burden on students and their families. 
Penny Redlin

How to Ask for More Financial Aid from Your School

By Penny Redlin
Updated on

Financial aid is essential for a lot of students seeking a college degree. As the cost of tuition, books, and living expenses continues to rise, financial aid can significantly lighten the financial load. By obtaining more financial aid, students can reduce the need for part-time work, allowing them to dedicate more time and energy to their studies. 

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Elaine Rubin

What is Financial Aid, Types and How Students Can Apply

By Elaine Rubin
Updated on
Financial aid is money in the form of loans, scholarships, and grants that can help you pay for college. The most important action you can take when applying for financial aid is to file the FAFSA.
Elaine Rubin

FAFSA Dependent vs. Independent

By Elaine Rubin
Updated on
The FAFSA will ask you questions to determine if you are a dependent or independent student for FAFSA purposes. This classification will determine if you need to provide parent information on your FAFSA, and could affect your financial aid eligibility. 
Elaine Rubin

FAFSA Dependency Override

By Elaine Rubin
Updated on
If you unable to obtain parental information, the FAFSA will display a list of ‘Unusual Circumstances’. If an unusual circumstance exists, you may be eligible for FAFSA dependency override. 
Elaine Rubin

FAFSA Dependency Status Questions

By Elaine Rubin
Updated on
When you file the FAFSA you will either file as a dependent or independent student. Here's how to figure out your dependency status when it comes to filing the FAFSA.
Elaine Rubin

FAFSA School Selection

By Elaine Rubin
Updated on
The school selection section of the FAFSA will allow you to list up to 20 schools at one time. You don't need to wait until you know where you're going to complete the FAFSA. 
Elaine Rubin

FAFSA School Codes

By Elaine Rubin
Updated on
Federal School Codes are six-character alphanumeric codes that uniquely identify colleges and universities, you can look up the school code by just completing an electronic version on the FAFSA.
Elaine Rubin

Financial Aid Eligibility and FAFSA Requirements

By Elaine Rubin
Updated on
Wondering if you are eligible for financial aid, if filling out the FAFSA will be helpful or not? We explain eligibility requirements for receiving financial aid.
Elaine Rubin

Student Aid Index

By Elaine Rubin
Updated on
Starting in the 2024-2025 year, the EFC will be replaced with the Student Aid Index or SAI. Your SAI is calculated based on the information provided in the FAFSA.
Elaine Rubin

FAFSA at Any Income Level

By Elaine Rubin
Updated on
Some wealthy parents ask whether it is worthwhile to apply for financial aid if they earn a high income. Every student should file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) every year, even if he or she did not receive any other types of aid during the previous year.
Penny Redlin

Money for College - How to Apply for Financial Aid

By Penny Redlin
Updated on
Financial aid refers to funding that students can receive to help cover the costs associated with their education. This support can come from various sources, including federal and state governments, educational institutions, and private organizations.
Penny Redlin

What is Work-Study

By Penny Redlin
Updated on
Work-study programs can be an important part of many financial aid packages, designed to help students manage the cost of college while gaining valuable work experience. These programs offer students part-time employment opportunities, often on campus, allowing them to earn money to support their educational expenses. 

arrow right What Parents Need to Know

Elaine Rubin

Who is My Parent When I Fill Out the FAFSA?

By Elaine Rubin
Updated on
If the FAFSA determines you are a dependent undergraduate student, you will need to provide one or both of your parent(s)’ information on the FAFSA.

Notepad FAFSA

The information provided on the FAFSA is used by a school to assess a student’s financial need and to determine their eligible for federal student aid.
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Parents are sometimes unwilling to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and/or other financial aid forms. But, parental information is required on the FAFSA of a dependent student, so a dependent student will not be able to qualify for need-based federal student aid without his or her parent’s help. There are many reasons why a parent may be unwilling to complete the FAFSA.
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Some students will file the FAFSA, but won’t qualify for need-based student aid such as grants, scholarships that require financial need, and subsidized federal student loans. For example, more than half of undergraduate students who file the FAFSA don’t qualify for a Federal Pell Grant or other federal grants. But you do have options if you didn’t receive any need-based aid.
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Check to see if your school participates in federal student aid. If you they do, you will likely need to complete the FAFSA. There are some basic eligibility criteria you need to meet to qualify to receive federal aid. Eligibility requirements include:...
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The FAFSA application is used to determine a student’s eligibility for federal student aid, it’s free to complete and submit. Based on the information provided on the FAFSA, you may be offered a federal student loan, if accepted, you will have to repay the loan.
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You don’t claim “dependents” on the FAFSA. The FAFSA will ask you to verify household size and the rules for who is in your household are far different than the tax rules used by the IRS to determine a dependent for tax purposes.
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