UNDERSTANDING
FAFSA & FINANCIAL AID
Your Guide to Paying for College

STAY INFORMED ON THE LATEST
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Understanding the Process

APPLYING FOR
FINANCIAL AID

comparing
college offers

COMMON
QUESTIONS
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
HOW TO TELL YOUR
COLLEGE STORY
Homeless Students & Unaccompanied Youth
Are you in high school living independently from your parents? The new FAFSA makes it easier for students without parental support to get college financial aid. There is also college help for families living together in temporary housing.
Immigrant & Mixed-Status Families
Not a citizen? Parents not citizens? You are in good company. More than a quarter of students attending college in the U.S. are from immigrant families. Whatever your citizenship status, there’s help paying for college.
Undocumented Students
Are you an undocumented student and need money for college? Undocumented students are not eligible for federal financial aid, but many states, colleges, and private organizations are eager to help you pay for school.
First in your family to go to college?
You’re in good company.
%
of U.S. undergrads are first in their family to go to college.
%
have parents who have less than a bachelor’s degree.
%
of first-generation students are enrolled full time.
THE BIG PICTURE
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.

CREATING YOUR
COLLEGE LIST

GETTING GRANTS
AND LOANS

APPLYING FOR
STATE MONEY
GET THE GUIDE
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