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 and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Each video is less than five minutes.
Check out the full playlist>>
Or choose an individual video to watch:
FAFSA Overview This is a quick rundown of the FAFSA. The video explains what the FAFSA is, how it’s used to decide your financial assistance package, how to fill it out, and why it’s necessary. It’ll also show you how to apply for your FSA ID. Additionally, you’ll discover a few simple tips that will put you ahead of your classmates. Watch now>>
How to Fill Out the FAFSA Fill out the FAFSA with the help of this guide. You’ll find out where to fill out the FAFSA online and what you’ll need to do so correctly. You’ll also get quick recommendations on what questions you’ll need to answer, speeding up the application process. Watch now>>
FAFSA: Determining Your Dependency Status This video helps you determine what is called your “dependency status.” At the age of 18, you are legally an adult, but for the FAFSA, you might be considered a dependent well into your twenties. It is important to understand your status, so you know what information you need for the FAFSA. This video helps explain your “dependency status” and the process of how it is determined. Watch now>>
Overview of the Financial Aid Process This video gives an overview of the financial aid process, not just the FAFSA. You will learn about government funding for college as well as the important differences between grants, loans, and work-study money. Watch now>>
After the FAFSA: What Happens Next This video walks you through what happens after you fill out and submit your FAFSA. You learn what happens to your FAFSA and how to check progress online. You will learn what your Student Aid Report (SAR) is, how to access it, and make corrections if needed. You’ll also receive information and recommendations on award letters from the schools you have applied to. Watch now>>
The financial aid process can be intimidating. Start with these simple FAFSA videos. They will make the process easier to manage and understand.
Kim Nauer is the founder of UnderstandingFAFSA.org and a higher education expert at The New School. Her latest questions: How does anyone read a financial aid letter? And will this all-new FAFSA in the fall really be simpler?
