I agree to terms and conditions
Link to PDF file has been sent to your email
Something went wrong. Reload page and try again
The FAFSA is distinct from the CSS Profile, which is also expected by some universities (primarily private ones). The CSS is a fee-based product (a privately organized institution) of the College Board that is commonly used by colleges to administer their own administrative funds rather than federal or state funding.
The FAFSA is the official form used for families to apply for the federal government's financial assistance for education. The details contained in the application is often used by States, independent colleges, and universities as well as private scholarship services.
FAFSA's key aim is to identify the amount of financial assistance for which you apply, providing aid dependent both on needs and non-needs. FAFSA sets the eligibility for a federal necessity-related program, like a Pell Grant, or Federal Supplementary Opportune Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). Federally subsidized loans based on needs. Unsubsidized federal student loans, which most borrowers apply for irrespective of need.
The FAFSA asks a series of questions about the income and properties of parents and pupils, as well as other variables, such as how many children there are in the household, to assess the financial need of a family. An Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) then comes up, which, according to the rationale of the federal government, reflects how much of the education expenses the family will be able to cover with its own money.
In terms of savings, the FAFSA assumes that in every college year, 20% of the assets of a student and 5.64% of the assets of parents should be eligible for spending. Such assets include savings deposits and pensions, but the value of pension accounts, life insurance benefits, and annuities are exempt. Any equity in the family home is exempt as well.
The details you give to the FAFSA decide whether you are eligible for need-based assistance, non-need-based aid, or a combination of the two.
If you are not qualified to fill out the FAFSA itself, you will use the Federal Student Aid's FAFSA4caster web office to receive an estimation of the EFC and the chances of obtaining financial aid.
There are two main types of financial aid available to graduate students, the Federal Stafford Loan, and the Federal Grad PLUS loan.
Perkins Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans are also available in addition to the following:
For the 2023–2024 FAFSA, online applications must be submitted by June 30, 2024.
Many states and colleges have earlier deadlines for applying for state and institutional financial aid. You can find your state’s deadline at https://fafsa.ed.gov/deadlines.htm or check with your college.
Because of the variation in state and college deadlines, it is highly recommended that you fill out the FAFSA as soon as you can. Additionally, federal aid is issued on a rolling basis, meaning that the earlier you apply, the better your chances of receiving maximum aid.
The PDF file includes the topics on FAFSA.
1. FAFSA for Graduate Programs
2. FAFSA For Online Master's Program
3. FAFSA for Part-Time Graduate Program
4. Maximum And Minimum Credit Hours Required For FAFSA For Graduate Programs
5. Can International Students Qualify For FAFSA for Graduate Programs?
6. FAFSA for Working Adults
7. Dependency Status In FAFSA
8. How Does Marital Status Affect FAFSA For Graduate Students?
9. Understanding Federal Student Aid for Graduate Programs
10. Federal Student Loan For Graduate Programs
11. Federal Vs Private Graduate Loans
12. Understanding Institutional Aid For Graduate Students
13. Fully Funded Master's Program And How To Get Them