Frequently Asked Questions about FAFSA
What is the FAFSA?
- FAFSA stands for Free Application for Financial Assistance for Student Aid.
- Funding is provided to students who are in college, participating in a program, or both. Eligible colleges and universities are listed on the website.
Eligibility
To be eligible for financial aid, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen, national, or eligible non-citizen.
- Have a valid Social Security number.
- Meet the cost of attendance at your school.
Filing Status
There are two main filing statuses in FAFSA:
- First-time student: You have never attended college or been enrolled in a full-time program.
- Current student: You are currently attending college, but you did not attend full-time during the previous year.
Funding Options
There are two main funding options in FAFSA:
- Direct Deposit: You can choose to have direct deposit money directly into your bank account.
- Tuition Payment Plans: If you're unable to pay tuition, you may be able to set up a payment plan with the FAFSA.