What is financial aid? Financial aid is money intended to assist students and families in paying for college expenses such as tuition, room, board and fees. Financial aid may come in the form of grants, scholarships, student employment and/or loans.

Who should apply for financial aid? Everyone should apply for financial aid. Even if you think you or your parents earn too much money, or that you will never qualify, you should still complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid . It is the gateway to most forms of financial aid.

How do I apply for financial aid? Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov to complete the FAFSA online. Using the online application is the fastest way to submit your FAFSA. Paper applications are available online at www.studentaid.ed.gov. Click on FAFSA filing options to print a PDF of the application. It may take 4 to 6 weeks longer for your information to be processed.

Some colleges may also require the CSS/Financial Aid Profile or an institutional financial aid form. Be sure to check with the financial aid office at the colleges you are considering attending.

Remember: The FAFSA is free. You should not pay anyone to complete or submit your FAFSA.

When do I apply for financial aid? Apply as soon as possible after January 1 of the year you will be attending college. Many colleges have financial aid deadlines as early as February, so it is better to file early.

You do not need to have applied or been accepted to a college to complete the FAFSA form. You can submit the form anytime after January 1.

You do not need to wait until your federal income tax forms are completed to submit the FAFSA. You can use estimated tax information and make corrections once your tax forms are completed.

The FAFSA form must be completed on-time each year that you will be attending college.

Be certain to file your FAFSA as early as possible so you do not miss deadlines. Missing a deadline may mean that you do not receive the full amount of financial aid available to you.