What is FAFSA?
FAFSA is also known as Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This application is for seniors who are preparing to finance their educational plans for after high school (could be college/ trade school).
What are some important things students need to know about FAFSA?
FAFSA offers need-based financial support to qualifying students, including GRANTS (money that does not have to be repaid) and low-interest student LOANS (money that needs to be repaid after graduating college/trade school).
Every student who applies for FAFSA should also apply for TAP – the New York State application for financial aid. Between those two applications, students can receive over $13,000 per year in grant money for college/trade school — money that is free and does not have to be repaid.
How does FAFSA work? FAFSA requires both students and parents to create an ID called a”FSA ID” to start the application. Parents’ tax returns from the previous year are needed to fill out the questions. The amount for the federal student aid is determined based on the family income.
How can students and parents get information about FAFSA? StudentAid.gov is the FAFSA website offering tutorial videos and answers to frequently asked questions. There are also Family FAFSA Workshops in person in the Bryant High School Library! The workshops are Wednesday December 11th at 5pm and Saturday December 14th at 10am. Seniors and families received the invitation to this workshop by email and mail, and there are posters throughout the building with the RSVP form.
What is the FAFSA process? The FAFSA includes both a student section and a parent section. In the student section, students list all of the colleges/vocational schools they are applying to so that their family’s financial information can be shared with those institutions. Parents use their tax returns from the previous year to complete their section of the application.
What are the requirements for FAFSA? Students need a social security number to apply for FAFSA, but their parents do not need one. Any family who meets these requirements can apply for federal student aid through FAFSA. The FAFSA must be renewed before every year that students attend college/vocational school.
What does the FAFSA cover for students? The federal grants and loans from FAFSA can be used for college tuition, student fees, housing, meals, and other educational expenses.
When is it due? The College Office recommends that seniors submit their FAFSA Applications by January 15, 2025 at the latest so that they are able to receive their financial aid awards in early spring along with their college admissions offers.
