What is FAFSA?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required to receive federal financial aid, including:
- Federal Pell Grants
- Federal student loans
- Federal work-study
- Many state and institutional grants
FAFSA Timeline
| When | What | |------|------| | October 1 | FAFSA opens for the following academic year | | January-March | Many state and school priority deadlines | | June 30 | Federal FAFSA deadline |
Important: Submit FAFSA as early as possible. Many schools award aid on a first-come, first-served basis.
What You Need to Complete FAFSA
- FSA ID for student and one parent
- Social Security numbers
- Federal tax returns (2 years prior)
- Bank statements
- Investment records
- Records of untaxed income
CSS Profile
Some private colleges also require the CSS Profile, which collects more detailed financial information. The CSS Profile:
- Costs $25 to submit ($16 per additional school)
- Opens October 1
- Has school-specific deadlines
- Considers home equity and other assets
Understanding Your EFC/SAI
The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) - now called Student Aid Index (SAI) - is an estimate of what your family can afford to pay. It's calculated from FAFSA data.
Note: The SAI is not what you'll actually pay - it's a starting point for financial aid calculations.
Appealing Financial Aid Decisions
If your financial situation has changed or you received a better offer elsewhere:
- Contact the financial aid office directly
- Explain your circumstances in writing
- Provide documentation (job loss, medical expenses, etc.)
- Be polite and specific about your needs
Track Your Financial Aid Deadlines
Each school has different priority deadlines. Missing them can cost you thousands. Appffeine tracks FAFSA, CSS Profile, and scholarship deadlines for every school on your list.
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Last updated: February 5, 2026