FAFSA Guide: Expert Tips to Maximize Your Financial Aid Application Success
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form is an essential tool that can help you access various types of federal student aid, including grants, work-study funds, and loans. By filling out and submitting the FAFSA form, you can unlock the largest source of student aid available, which can help you pay for college or career/trade school.
Not only that, but your FAFSA information may also be used by your state or college to assess your eligibility for state or school-based aid. Private aid providers may also review your FAFSA information to determine if you qualify for their aid. The best part is that completing and submitting the FAFSA form is completely free, and the process is now easier than ever before.
To complete the FAFSA, all contributors—including the student, a biological or adoptive parent, a stepparent, or a spouse—must create their own FSA ID. This is part of a continued effort to make the FAFSA process smoother, more secure, and more accurate.
🔑 An FSA ID is your personal login for StudentAid.gov and includes a username and password. It’s required to:
Access the FAFSA form
Provide consent to share federal tax data from the IRS
Electronically sign the form
Even if a contributor doesn’t have a Social Security Number (SSN), they are still required to create an account on StudentAid.gov. Without an FSA ID, a contributor cannot access or sign their portion of the FAFSA—potentially delaying financial aid processing.
💡 These updates ensure tax information is securely transferred from the IRS to the FAFSA, improving efficiency and reducing errors in the financial aid process.
To be considered for financial aid, including federal grants, scholarships, work-study, and student loans, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
But FAFSA isn’t just for federal aid—states, colleges, and even private scholarship providers often use your FAFSA information to determine your eligibility for additional financial support.
The Class of 2026 will complete the 2026-2027 form.
How to Get Started:
Go to StudentAid.gov
Log in with your FSA ID (username and password)
Click “Start a New FAFSA Form”
Choose your role:
Students: Select “I am a student”
Parents (contributors): Select “I am a parent filling out a form for my child”
Tip: The student should always log in first to begin the FAFSA process using their own FSA ID.
