Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
What is FAFSA?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an application that is prepared annually by current and prospective college students in the United States to determine their eligibility for financial aid as determined by parent and student income information. Although you may feel that you do not qualify for financial aid, many grants, scholarships, and most colleges/universities require the FAFSA to be completed. All seniors are highly encouraged to apply for the FAFSA beginning October 1st of their senior year.
FAFSA Website and Application
FAFSA Step By Step
Some colleges and universities also require a CSS profile that can be completed on the Collegeboard website. There is a fee from College Board so make sure your school requires it.
**The College Board has offered incoming students an opportunity to complete the CSS Financial Aid Profile for free if they come from a Hurricane Irma impacted county (and both Orange and Osceola counties are listed). For students applying to colleges which require Profile, this could be a significant saving.