Financial Aid Information
Questions About Financial Aid? Connect With the MHS Counseling Team!
Questions About Financial Aid? Connect With the MHS Counseling Team!
What Is the FAFSA?
What Is the FAFSA?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form you need to fill out to get any financial aid from the federal government to help pay for college. Each year, over 13 million students who file the FAFSA get more than $120 billion in grants, work-study, and low-interest loans from the U.S. Department of Education.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form you need to fill out to get any financial aid from the federal government to help pay for college. Each year, over 13 million students who file the FAFSA get more than $120 billion in grants, work-study, and low-interest loans from the U.S. Department of Education.
Lots of states and colleges also use the FAFSA to determine which students get financial aid—and how much they’ll get.
Lots of states and colleges also use the FAFSA to determine which students get financial aid—and how much they’ll get.
The FAFSA asks for information about you and your family’s finances, including tax returns, so you’ll need your parents’ help to complete it.
The FAFSA asks for information about you and your family’s finances, including tax returns, so you’ll need your parents’ help to complete it.
Who Should Fill Out the FAFSA?
Who Should Fill Out the FAFSA?
Anyone planning on going to college in the next academic year should fill out the FAFSA. Here’s why:
Anyone planning on going to college in the next academic year should fill out the FAFSA. Here’s why:
- Each year, millions—sometimes billions—of dollars in federal aid is left on the table by students who didn’t file a FAFSA. It’s simple: If you don’t file, you won’t qualify for most financial aid.
- Your family doesn’t have to have a low income to qualify for assistance. Even if your family makes $200,000 a year, you could be eligible for aid.
- You automatically qualify for a low-interest federal loan when you submit a FAFSA. These loans are less expensive to pay back than many private student loans.
- Many work-study programs require the FAFSA.
- Some merit-based scholarships require the FAFSA to help them determine scholarship amounts.
FAFSA Deadlines
FAFSA Deadlines
Due to the new FAFSA Simplification Act, you are now able to file in early December for the following academic year. It’s a good idea to submit the application as soon as possible because financial aid is often given out on a first-come, first-served basis.
Due to the new FAFSA Simplification Act, you are now able to file in early December for the following academic year. It’s a good idea to submit the application as soon as possible because financial aid is often given out on a first-come, first-served basis.
There are three types of FAFSA deadlines:
There are three types of FAFSA deadlines:
College deadlines: Important when you’re applying for aid from a college. Deadlines vary by school, so check college websites or contact the financial aid offices of the colleges you’re interested in to find out when you need to submit your FAFSA.
College deadlines: Important when you’re applying for aid from a college. Deadlines vary by school, so check college websites or contact the financial aid offices of the colleges you’re interested in to find out when you need to submit your FAFSA.
State deadlines: Important when you’re applying for aid from your state. Check your state's FAFSA deadline.
State deadlines: Important when you’re applying for aid from your state. Check your state's FAFSA deadline.
Federal deadline: June 30 is the last day you can apply for federal aid for the following academic year.
Federal deadline: June 30 is the last day you can apply for federal aid for the following academic year.
Remember: You should send in your FAFSA as soon as you can, regardless of deadlines. There’s a lot of financial aid out there—give yourself the best shot at getting the most assistance by applying early.
Remember: You should send in your FAFSA as soon as you can, regardless of deadlines. There’s a lot of financial aid out there—give yourself the best shot at getting the most assistance by applying early.
Looking for additional support with completing the FAFSA application? Check out the resources below:
Looking for additional support with completing the FAFSA application? Check out the resources below:
College Goal Wisconsin is affiliated with a national event that provides free information and assistance to families who need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) the federally required form for students seeking financial aid, such as grants and loans. Completing the FAFSA is the first and most important step in qualifying for aid to help pay for college.
FAFSA_HELP.pdf