FAFSA

(Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

The FAFSA is a FREE application for federal student aid produced by the U.S. Department of Education. The DOE uses your provided information to  calculate your EFC (Expected Family Contribution) and will provide financial aid accordingly. The FAFSA must be filed every year for every student to receive Federal Financial Aid.

This is available to all students and should be completed regardless of family income.

How does the FAFSA work?

Step 1: A student needs money for college.

Step 2: The student files the FAFSA.

Step 3: The government processes the FAFSA data and determines the amount of need.

Step 4: The student receives a copy of the SAR (student aid report), which defines the amount of money your family is expected to contribute to your college education (EFC). The data is also sent to the financial aid offices specified by the student on the FAFSA.

Step 5: Schools award financial aid through grants, scholarships, work-study and loans to cover costs above and beyond the EFC and generate an award letter.

Step 6: The student compares offers from different schools and decides which package best meets the family's needs. Be sure to weigh all factors, not only those involving the bottom line.

Step 7: The student notifies all colleges regarding acceptance or denial of the offer.

The FAFSA is available starting December 1, 2024. 

In order to qualify for the TN Promise you must have it completed by April 15, 2025.