The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is used to apply for federal student financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study. In addition, it is used by most states and schools to award non-federal student financial aid.

How does it work?

Completing the FAFSA is the first step in the financial aid process. Once you submit it, we process your information. Then we send an electronic copy of your information to all of the schools you listed in Step Six. We mail a paper report, called a Student Aid Report, or SAR, to you.

Any financial aid you are eligible to receive will be paid to you through your school. Typically, your school will first use the aid to pay tuition, fees, and room and board (if provided by the school). Any remaining need is paid to you for your other expenses.

Where can I get more information?

The best place for information about student financial aid is the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend. The financial aid administrator can tell you about student aid available from your state, the school itself, and other sources.

The internet is an incredible resource for financial aid information. Many schools have information about financial aid on their web sites. You can also get free information from the US Department of Education's web site at www.ed.gov/studentaid, including access to free publications such as Funding Your Education and The Student Guide, or from www.student.gov

For more information about FAFSA, please visit our web site by following the link listed above.