FAFSA Articles

Financial aid is essential for a lot of students seeking a college degree. As the cost of tuition, books, and living expenses continues to rise, financial aid can significantly lighten the financial load. By obtaining more financial aid, students can reduce the need for part-time work, allowing them to dedicate more time and energy to their studies. 

When you file the FAFSA you will either file as a dependent or independent student. Here's how to figure out your dependency status when it comes to filing the FAFSA.

Financial aid serves as an important resource for students looking to pursue higher education. A common question that arises when discussing financial aid is whether it needs to be paid back. This depends largely on the type of aid received.

Expected family contribution is an index that determines how much financial aid you are eligible for. It’s important to understand what it is and how it effects how much you need to pay for college.

Some wealthy parents ask whether it is worthwhile to apply for financial aid if they earn a high income. Every student should file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) every year, even if he or she did not receive any other types of aid during the previous year.

FAFSA deadlines can vary. The FAFSA for the @AYNext academic year opens on October 1st and remains open until @June30Next. However to improve your chances of getting more aid, file as soon as you can and certainly well before any applicable deadlines noted below. 

If you unable to obtain parental information, the FAFSA will display a list of ‘Unusual Circumstances’. If an unusual circumstance exists, you may be eligible for FAFSA dependency override. 

The FAFSA will ask you questions to determine if you are a dependent or independent student for FAFSA purposes. This classification will determine if you need to provide parent information on your FAFSA, and could affect your financial aid eligibility. 

FAFSA questions answered! Quick simple answers to the most common questions asked about the FAFSA.

Need help filing the FAFSA® (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)? Use this guide to walk your through the process.  

Federal School Codes are six-character alphanumeric codes that uniquely identify colleges and universities, you can look up the school code by just completing an electronic version on the FAFSA.

The school selection section of the FAFSA will allow you to list up to 20 schools at one time. You don't need to wait until you know where you're going to complete the FAFSA. 

Understand how and when to file the FAFSA, and get answers to the most common questions students and parents encounter when applying for federal financial aid.

Financial aid is an important resource designed to help students and families manage the costs associated with higher education and is available in a variety of ways including grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and loans.

If you did not receive enough financial aid, you can file an appeal. An appeal allows you to request an increase in financial aid. To file an appeal, you will first need to contact the financial aid office for your school.

Wondering if you are eligible for financial aid, if filling out the FAFSA will be helpful or not? We explain eligibility requirements for receiving financial aid.

Financial aid can play a big role in supporting graduate students as they look to advance their studies. Many graduate programs can be expensive, and financial aid, whether in the form of grants, scholarships, or loans, can make these programs more accessible to a diverse range of students. 

If you are a veteran, transitioning from military service to civilian life can be a big adjustment. Education can play an important role in this process, offering not only career opportunities but also a means of personal growth and development.

Financial aid is important for making higher education accessible to a broader range of students. Through grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and student loans, financial aid can significantly reduce the financial burden on students and their families. 

Financial aid refers to funding that students can receive to help cover the costs associated with their education. This support can come from various sources, including federal and state governments, educational institutions, and private organizations.

Financial aid can often be an important consideration for students and families managing the expenses of higher education. Financial aid can be broadly classified into two main categories: merit-based and need-based aid. Gaining a good understanding of these two types is vital for students and families looking to pay for college with the least amount of debt.

If the FAFSA determines you are a dependent undergraduate student, you will need to provide one or both of your parent(s)’ information on the FAFSA.

Starting in the 2024-2025 year, the EFC will be replaced with the Student Aid Index or SAI. Your SAI is calculated based on the information provided in the FAFSA.

You may be wondering how you can afford to go to college. Financial aid is a way for you to get money to help cover the cost of your education. Financial aid comes in different forms such as grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and loans. This money is provided to you to make college more affordable and accessible.

When filing the FAFSA® you will need to provide certain financial information, including income and tax information. Dependent students will also need to provide financial information for one or both parents depending on household status.

In this video, learn about what you should know when it comes to this FAFSA season!

In this video, walkthrough the entire 2025-2026 FAFSA application

In this video, learn about what you should know when it comes to this FAFSA season!

In this video, learn about what the student aid index is.

Financial aid is money in the form of loans, scholarships, and grants that can help you pay for college. The most important action you can take when applying for financial aid is to file the FAFSA.

Work-study programs can be an important part of many financial aid packages, designed to help students manage the cost of college while gaining valuable work experience. These programs offer students part-time employment opportunities, often on campus, allowing them to earn money to support their educational expenses.