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
After FAFSA: Watch for Information & Verification Requests
A lot can happen after you submit your FAFSA. Watch your email carefully for anything from the folks at FAFSA or from the college you plan to attend. There are two common issues after you file the...
Helpful Videos
Start on the FAFSA with Five Simple Videos from Federal Student Aid
Looking for an easy way to get started on your hunt for college money? The U.S. Department of Education has a useful playlist with five simple videos to guide you through the financial aid process...
Tips and Tools
Ten Tips to Avoid FSA ID Tech Troubles
The first step of the FAFSA process, creating your FSA ID, has been a technical challenge for many students and their families this year. This should be easy to do, but the U.S. Department of...
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