How to Apply for Federal and State Aid

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Federal Financial Aid

If you're a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-U.S. citizen, completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) can help you pay for college. This free application is how you can apply for grants, loans, and work-study funds from the U.S. government. States and colleges also use information from your FAFSA to determine additional aid you may be eligible to receive.

Plan to file the FAFSA for each year you are enrolled in college to ensure you receive federal aid. Many colleges and state systems will also use your FAFSA each year to maximize your other financial aid offers

If you’re applying to receive financial aid during the 2024–25 school year, you should complete the 2024–25 FAFSA. If you already completed the 2024–25 FAFSA, but are transferring mid-year, you will need to edit your 2024–25 FAFSA to add the school you are transferring into.

If you are applying to receive financial aid in the 2025–26 school year, you should complete the 2025–26 FAFSA. This form opens October 1, 2024.

Before you complete the FAFSA, you need to create an account, called a Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID)

These guides and resources can help you complete the FAFSA:

Federal Student Aid YouTube Channel: These helpful playlists guide you through completing the FAFSA
Federal Student Aid Estimator: This tool can help you estimate how much federal aid you may be eligible for before you complete the FAFSA
Getting FAFSA Help with Wyatt: Wyatt is a free AI-powered chatbot available 24/7 to answer your toughest FAFSA questions and send important deadline reminders
Eligibility for Non-U.S. Citizens: This article helps non-U.S. citizens determine if they are eligible for federal aid. It also lists other financial aid options for ineligible students.
Paying for College: This Common App resource has additional information about applying for federal aid.

If you have questions, please contact Federal Student Aid for more information.

State Financial Aid

You can look up your state grant agency to explore financial aid opportunities provided by your state government. You may be eligible for state financial aid even if you’re not eligible for federal aid.