Embedded Files
What is financial aid?
What is financial aid?
Financial aid is money to help pay for college or career school. Aid can come from:
the U.S. federal government,
the state where you live,
the college you attend, or
a nonprofit or private organization.
Types of Federal Student Aid on FAFSA
Grants—financial aid that doesn’t have to be repaid (unless, for example, you withdraw from school and owe a refund)
Loans— borrowed money for college or career school; you must repay your loans, with interest
Work-Study—a work program through which you earn money to help you pay for school
Applying for FAFSA:
Step 1: Create a FSA ID
An FSA ID is a username and password that you must use to log in to the FAFSA application. It is also used to electronically sign the FAFSA form. It is important to remember this information because you will use it to file your FAFSA every year you are in college.
Students and all contributors (parents + spouses) will need an FSA ID. If parents are married and filed taxes jointly, only one parent will need an FSA ID. Please note: If you forget your old username and password, you will NOT be able to make a new account. You must recover your old one.
Step 2: File the FAFSA Application
The 2026-2027 FAFSA opens on October 1st.
What will you need to file the FAFSA?
Your Social Security Number
Your A-Number (if you're not a U.S. citizen)
Federal income tax returns; records of child support received; and your current balance of cash, savings, and checking accounts (Note: You must provide consent and approval to disclose your federal tax information to be eligible for federal student aid.)
Bank statements and records of investments (if applicable)
Records of net worth of investments, businesses, and farms
Records of untaxed income (if applicable)
An FSA ID (account username and password) to log in to StudentAid.gov and start the FAFSA form electronically
If you're a dependent student, then your parent(s) will need most of the above information.
If you’re ready to fill out the FAFSA® now, you can do so here: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. The online FAFSA will guide you through the application; click on the “Start A New FAFSA” button on the home page, and follow the directions on the screen.
Page updated
Report abuse