Planning for college involves more than choosing the right school—it also means preparing for the cost of higher education. One of the most important steps in this process is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The FAFSA is required for students to be considered for nearly all types of financial aid, including federal and state grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and some private funding opportunities. Colleges and universities also use FAFSA information to determine eligibility for their own financial aid packages.

We encourage all families to complete the FAFSA as early as possible to maximize available aid. Visit fafsa.gov to access the online application and explore helpful resources for financing your student’s college education.