How do I know if I am dependent/independent for FAFSA purposes?Most students will file the FAFSA as a dependent student, even if they have filed their taxes or support themselves. FAFSA only considers a student independent for the following reasons:...
Filling out the FAFSA is crucial for college-bound students, as it unlocks access to grants, work-study, and federal loans. Don’t miss your chance at financial aid—learn why the FAFSA matters, what it covers, and how to complete it to secure support fo
Creating an FSA ID is required to complete the online FAFSA® form. Continue reading to learn more about how to create an FSA ID.
Now you can get started filling out the forms. What will I need to fill out the FAFSA? To fill out the FAFSA, you need to provide certain information about yourself along with some information about your or yourparent’s finances(if you’re claimed as a dependent on their taxes). Accord...
What do you need to file the FAFSA? Here’s what you’ll need to gather before filing the FAFSA. Heads up: You need this information for both the student and parents/guardians if you're considered a dependent. Tax returns (1040, etc.), W-2s, and other records of in...
Why Do I Need To Fill Out The FAFSA? Many students and parents don’t fill out the FAFSA because they think federal grants are only available to families earning less than $50,000. The truth? You could qualify for other financial despite your income or your family’s income. Why should...
The Bankrate promise What to know about the FAFSA The FAFSA is the form that students need to fill out to apply for federal or state-based financial aid. The form uses your family's financial portfolio, including income, household size and total assets to determine your expected family contrib...
Tip:The paperwork can take up to one hour to complete, but gathering this information ahead of time can speed up the process. 5 What if I need help? There are a number of paid services to assist you with the FAFSA. But before you do that, you may want to consider free online resour...
The FAFSA is your gateway to financial aid, and receiving award letters from your chosen schools is an exciting occurance. Examine all your options carefully, as every school will award a different package based on your income, resources, and the school costs....
Investigate financial aid options sooner, rather than later: You should already have a solid idea of how you're going to pay for college well before the first day of school. Mark the application deadline for the FAFSA on your calendar (you'll want to do so for each year you plan to ...