Apply FAFSA

Whenever applying for college it is important to apply for financial aid. Financial aid programs are committed to helping students pay for a higher education. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as FASFA, is a form that helps to determine a student’s eligibility for financial aid assistance. Federal financial aid can be provided in a number of different ways, and is a great resource to help relieve some of your educational expenses.

Types of aid

Financial aid comes in many different forms. It is important to know what kind of financial aid is available to maximize the use of your aid eligibility. Grants and scholarships are types of aid that typically do not have to be repaid. Grants can be offered by the government, your school, or different kinds of organizations.

There are a variety of grants that exist for those who have financial need. These grants may differ depending on where you currently stand in your college career. Make sure you do your research to see if you qualify for a grant and which kind of grant is suitable for you. While grants are generally types of financial aid that do not have to be paid back, there are circumstances that may require repayment. These circumstances can vary and it is best to check with the provider of the grant to fully understand any details. Federal Work Study programs are also provided by financial aid. As a student, you can seek job opportunities at your school that will pay for educational expenses. These programs usually offer limited weekly hours in exchange for financial assistance.

The most common aid assistance comes in the form of a loan. Student loans do require repayment with interested assessed. There a different kinds of student loans that are provided as well. For example, there both subsidized and unsubsidized loans. The qualifications for both differ from one another as well as the term that apply. When applying for loans make sure you are aware of who is servicing your student loan and the details of the loan terms. Financial aid may also be specific to your study program. For example, study aboard students can apply for international study aid, which may have benefits customized for that specific program.

Documents and deadlines

FAFSA applications may request different documentation based on your individual circumstances and what you are applying for. Verification may be required for the qualification process. This could mean verifying your current and past tax information, or even your parent’s tax information, if you are a dependent. Government issued identification may also be required along with proof of current income. Students applying for aid should take note of deadlines. Depending on where you live the deadline for aid applications may vary. You will want to check with the college or trade school you are attending to make sure you are completing your application on time.

Apply for aid

If you are unsure how to fill out your FASFA application seek assistance from your college or trade school. Assistance can also be found at Federal Student Aid. There are step by step instructions on what is needed to apply. When applying you can create an account for easy access and updates. There is also a mobile application for on the go convenience. You may also find help at your university’s financial aid office. It is imperative that you are filling out your FASFA application accurately, and in a timely manner to guarantee that you are receiving the maximum amount of financial assistance available to you. Do your research, find aid, and apply.

Sources:   https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types

https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out