Applying for financial aid is free. It is also a fairly easy and painless process available through the Department of Education website. Each student who wants to be considered for financial aid needs to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) indicating which schools should receive a copy of the results. Based on those results, your school will determine your eligibility for financial aid.

Since financial awards and options have a limited amount of funds available to distribute between many college students, your best bet is to apply early. In addition, many states have early cutoff dates for state financial aid awards. While applications can be submitted beginning January 1 of each year, this may be before you have been able to complete your taxes for the previous year. In these cases, you can submit your estimated financial information and make corrections to it later.

About LifeTips

Now one of the top on-line publishers in the world, LifeTips offers tips to millions of monthly visitors. Our mission mission is to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Expert writers earn dough for what they know. And exclusive sponsors in each niche topic help us make-it-all happen.

Ask a Question

Not finding the advice and tips you need on this Student Loan Tip Site? Request a Tip Now!

Guru Spotlight

Jennifer Mathes, Ph.D.

Buy My Book

Ever wonder how you could make your life better and more fun? So have tens of millions of fans who have turned to LifeTips for answers over the past decade. We keep the tips, advice, books, podcasts and writing services flowing, so you can keep your life and business growing in the right direction. Upward!