Is FAFSA Right For Your High School Senior?
By Jennifer L.
As college counselors, one of the most common questions we hear from students and families is, “Do I really need to complete the FAFSA?” The answer, almost always, is yes. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the key to unlocking financial assistance for college, including federal grants, work-study, and loans, and many colleges and states also use it to award their own aid.
Who Should File?
Every student planning to attend college — whether you think you’ll qualify for aid or not — should complete the FAFSA. It’s not just for low-income families. Many middle- and upper-income students receive merit or need-based aid from schools that require a completed FAFSA.
Why You Should File.
Filing the FAFSA gives you access to billions of dollars in aid. Federal Pell Grants, subsidized loans, and work-study opportunities all begin with this form. Colleges often use FAFSA data to determine institutional scholarships and aid packages, even for students who might not qualify for federal assistance. In short, if you don’t file, you might be leaving money on the table.
How the Process Helps.
Beyond determining eligibility for aid, the FAFSA provides families with an official estimate of their Student Aid Index (SAI), a number colleges use to calculate how much financial assistance a student can receive. It can help families make informed decisions about affordability and compare true costs between schools.
Deadlines to Remember.
The FAFSA typically opens on October 1. Federal deadlines are usually June 30 of the academic year, but many states and colleges have much earlier priority deadlines, often in January or February. For Early Action or Early Decision applications, it is advised that you submit your FAFSA close to the time you submit your application. File as early as possible to maximize your eligibility.
Final advice: The FAFSA is free, it’s manageable, and it can make college far more affordable. Even if you’re unsure about your financial eligibility, completing the FAFSA is one of the first steps you can take towards helping to fund your education.
