FAFSA Guide

Q: How much financial aid can I get?

You can use the Federal Student Aid Estimator and a net price calculator to help you gauge the amount you could receive.

Check FAFSA deadlines and get expert guidance on completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. FAFSA can help maximize financial aid for new and current college students.

The latest on FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid

Key FAFSA deadlines and dates

Dec. 1, 2024: 2025-26 FAFSA expected to open.
Your school's FAFSA deadline: Different states and colleges have different FAFSA deadlines, ranging from mid-January through June. Check with your school's financial aid office for potential deadline changes due to this year's delays.
College decision day: Typically May 1 for fall enrollment, though colleges may accept later dates to accommodate FAFSA delays.
June 30, 2025: Expected federal deadline for the 2024-25 FAFSA.

FAFSA FAQ

What is the FAFSA?

Completing the FAFSA allows you to be considered for federal, state and school-based aid.

What is an FSA ID?

You must create an FSA ID through the Federal Student Aid website to submit electronically and access all federal student aid services.

When is the FAFSA deadline?

Generally June 30, though each state and school can have its own earlier deadline. Submit early for your best shot at limited funds.

How to complete the FAFSA

Get your FSA ID

The first step in filling out the FAFSA is creating a Federal Student Aid ID. This username-password combination will allow you to fill out the form online and access information about your financial aid for years to come, including looking up any student loans you have to repay after graduation. If you’re a dependent student, your parent or guardian will need his or her own FSA ID.

Follow the instructions on StudentAid.gov to create your FSA ID.

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Gather the necessary documents

Get organized before you fill out the FAFSA so you don’t need to search for financial information as you complete the form. Our interactive FAFSA checklist will tell you which documents you’ll want to have handy before you start.

Answer the FAFSA questions with help from our guide

How you fill out the FAFSA depends on your family circumstances. Our guide has tips on what financial information to provide based on your situation, and where to get additional help if you need it. Choose the option below that best applies to you for guidance on how to answer each question on the FAFSA.

Family structure (dependent students):

Family structure (independent students):

Immigration status:

Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool or Direct Data Exchange

To speed up the application process and avoid mistakes, transfer your 2021 federal tax return information directly into your FAFSA using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool. When you reach the financial information section of the FAFSA, click “Link to IRS” to prefill the form with your information. Beginning with the 2024-25 FAFSA, the Direct Data Exchange will replace the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.

List the colleges where you want to apply

You’ll be asked to enter FAFSA school codes for up to 10 schools where you plan to apply. Starting with the 2024-25 FAFSA, you can add up to 20 schools. You can search for school codes within the online application. If you’re submitting a paper version of the FAFSA, you’re limited to four schools. Look up the school codes on StudentAid.gov.

If you haven’t decided where you’re applying by the time you fill out the FAFSA, list the schools you think are possibilities and submit the FAFSA as soon as possible. If you change your mind, you can always update your FAFSA. All of the schools you list will receive your FAFSA information for their financial aid use.

🤓Nerdy Tip

Ready to submit your FAFSA? Head to FAFSA.gov, where you'll be able to create your FSA ID. You'll need your social security number and your own email address. The new form is shorter and designed to take less time: some say as little as 10 minutes, though budget more time if it's your first go or are completing forms for more than one student.