Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Happy FAFSA Day!
Ok, maybe this is one of those obscure holidays only college counseling nerds get excited about, but still, it’s an important day for many.
Today, October 1st, is the day that the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) opens for the class of 2021. If you are a senior applying to college, hopefully you’ve already talked with your parents about whether or not you’ll be applying for financial aid… If you have and you are, now’s the time to start that application. If you haven’t yet talked to your parents about that, now’s a GREAT time to have that conversation.
Keep in mind when completing the FAFSA that you will use tax return information from 2019 and this will determine your Expected Family Contribution for the 2021-22 school year. It is then up to the colleges you apply to to determine how much aid they will give you based on the information in your FAFSA. You will need to reapply for aid each year and you can find the FAFSA at studentaid.gov.
If you are applying for need-based financial aid, also check individual colleges’ financial aid websites as some schools require both the FAFSA and a second application called the CSS Profile, which gives colleges and universities a more complete picture of your family’s financial picture.
If you or your parents have any questions about applying for financial aid, please contact your college counselor as soon as possible.