The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now open for High School Seniors and those students that will attend college during the 2017-2018 school year.  Unsure of whether or not to submit a FAFSA?  Read The Money Skinny™ Who should complete a FAFSA Application? for assistance.   While FAFSA completion deadlines vary by school and state, financial aid is distributed on a first-come/first-serve basis.  Meeting a FAFSA application deadline may still result in a lack of available funds at a specific school.  Realize that students can be competing with other students at the same college, often for the same money.  Recall The Money Skinny™ mission is to save you time and money.  Start the FAFSA application now!

FAFSA Changes

Beginning in 2016, the FAFSA application was made available online three months earlier than prior years.  Additionally, FAFSA data will be based upon tax return information from two years prior.  Many families can use the IRS data retrieval tool on the FAFSA website to reduce the likelihood of errors.  The FAFSA is available online at fafsa.ed.gov.

Start the FAFSA Application Now!

The FAFSA should be completed now even if the student hasn’t finished her/his college applications. Up to ten schools can be added to the FAFSA at a time.  There is no fee to complete a FAFSA application or to send the results. Don’t wait.  Fire up and finish the FAFSA!