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

FSA Announces Open Date and Additional Delays for the New FAFSA
Federal Student Aid, the agency that administers the FAFSA, announced yesterday that the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, will open by December 31st. This is the latest...
Helpful Videos

Looking for Safety Schools? Think About Cost
We’ve all heard the term “safety school.” The idea is that you want a mix of schools on your college list: a couple that would be tough for you to get into, most that seem like a good fit – and then...
Tips and Tools

How to Estimate Your Financial Aid Package Today
Applying for financial aid for the 2024-25 school year? Get ready for some important changes. You’ll be completing the redesigned FAFSA, launching in late December. Need to know now how much federal...
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