FAFSA and Financial Aid
The How-To Guide
for High School Students
AND THE ADULTS WHO HELP THEM

FAFSA AND FINANCIAL AID
What You Need to Know
First in your family to go to college? Filling out the FAFSA on your own? We’re here to help you understand the process and get answers to questions you may have.
DO YOU HAVE SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES?
Colleges know that students have all kinds of special circumstances. Learn how to answer the FAFSA’s questions — and tell your story to colleges.



FILLED OUT THE FAFSA? HERE’S WHAT’S NEXT.
Doing the FAFSA is a crucial first step. But there’s more. Learn how to work with colleges to get the money and financial aid you deserve.



First in your family to go to college? Join the crowd!

24%
of US undergrads are the first in their family to go to college.

56%
have parents who have less than a bachelor’s degree.

65%
of first-generation students are enrolled full time.
Latest News

Next Year’s FAFSA Overhaul: Six Things to Know Now
Will you be a senior in high school next school year? Are you a parent with a child in college or headed to college? You will be among the first to complete the federal government’s new simplified...
Helpful Videos

Need FAFSA Training? Get Help at Federal Student Aid
The school year has begun and it is officially time to start learning about the new FAFSA! It will be opening late -- in December -- so there is plenty of time to learn about the new form and get...
Tips and Tools

Q&A: What’s Federal Work-Study?
Need to earn money while in college? If you were awarded financial aid, you may be eligible to get a job on campus through the federal government’s work-study program. What is federal work-study?...
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