FAFSA/Financial Aid

Paper FAFSA Application

You can access the paper FAFSA application at this link.  A Spanish version is also available here.

FAFSA Slack Channel

NCAN has set up Slack channel for  members centered on the 2025-26 FAFSA. Members are encouraged to join and use it to ask questions as well as share experiences and resources related to the FAFSA.

Don't have an NCAN membership? You can request one from Breakthrough here. You can request to join NCAN's Online Practitioner Community via this link.  

Paper FAFSA Application

You can access the paper FAFSA application at this link.  A Spanish version is also available here. This can be a useful tool to expose students to the FAFSA and its questions prior to 12th grade.

Higher Ed Immigration Portal: Data Protections for FAFSA Information Guide

This guide helps counselors talk with families about whether or not it is safe to fill out the FAFSA.

 This page provides more information.

FSA Guidance for Contributors without SSNs

 This page provides instructions on how to submit the FAFSA if a contributor doesn't have a SSN. Additionally, this announcement provides more information. 

Higher Ed Immigration Portal: FAFSA Hub for Mixed-Status Families

This resource hub provides up-to-date information and resources to support students from mixed-status immigrant families to complete the FAFSA. It includes information on eligibility, resources and guides, webinars and trainings, FAQs, an a social media toolkit.

CA Student Aid Commission Mixed-Status Families Page

The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) has expanded the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) as an option for FAFSA-eligible students if they are experiencing difficulties completing the FAFSA successfully due to having a contributor without a Social Security number (SSN).  This page provides more information.

Breakthrough Central Texas' "November 2024 - Information for first-time filers in mixed-status households" Resource

This resource provides comprehensive guidance to practitioners re: supporting mixed-status families in filing the FAFSA., and is in both English and Spanish. The purpose of this resource is to ensure that students and families receive accurate information regarding the FAFSA, but is not intended to cause unnecessary fear or alarm. Huge kudos to colleagues at Breakthrough CTX for creating and sharing this.  

NASFAA Aid Offer Comparison Worksheet 

A printable worksheet to manually compare up to three colleges.

Level Up Virginia Cost Comparison Calculator

A Google Sheets-based worksheet for in-depth cost analysis.

DecidED

A free tool for uploading financial aid award letters to get a clear breakdown of costs and aid.

Student Debt Affordability Calculator 

 Helps students make informed student loan decisions. Recommended by NACAC.

Federal Student Loan Simulator

Estimates monthly loan payments and suggests repayment plans.

Sallie Mae Student Loan Calculator

Estimates loan repayment amounts.

SwiftStudent 

Assists students in drafting financial aid appeal letters for free.

uAspire Guide: How to Appeal Your Financial Aid

Step-by-step appeal process.

uAspire Sample Financial Aid Appeal Letters

Templates for crafting an effective appeal.

SchoolHouse Connection

SchoolHouse Connection is a national non-profit organization working to overcome homelessness through early care and education.  Their website includes future and past webinars, resources, advocacy information and more re: supporting students experiencing or at risk of homelessness in navigating higher education and financial aid.