Leto Guidance Department

Funding Your Future With FAFSA

The Ultimate FAFSA Guide: How to Get Free Money for College

If you’re planning on going to college, you need to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). It’s the key to unlocking grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal loans. Even if you think you won’t qualify for aid, you should still submit it—many schools use FAFSA info to give out their own scholarships!

1. What Is the FAFSA?

FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It’s a form you submit to the U.S. Department of Education to determine your eligibility for federal financial aid. Colleges also use it to award their own grants and scholarships.

2. When Should You Apply?

  • Opens: Usually October 1 each year. (For the 2024-25 school year, it opens in December 2023 due to updates!)
  • Deadline: Federal deadline is June 30, but states and colleges often have earlier deadlines—so check ASAP!

Find your state’s FAFSA deadline: https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/fafsa-deadlines

3. What You Need to Apply

  • FSA ID (Create yours at https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch)
  • Social Security Number (SSN) or Alien Registration Number (if you’re not a U.S. citizen)
  • Parent’s Tax Information (from two years prior—e.g., for 2024-25, use 2022 taxes)
  • Bank Statements & Investment Info (if applicable)
  • List of Schools You’re Applying To (You can list up to 20!)

4. How to Fill Out the FAFSA

  1. Go to https://studentaid.gov/fafsa
  2. Log in with your FSA ID (or create one if you don’t have it yet).
  3. Follow the prompts and enter your personal/financial info.
  4. List the colleges you want to receive your FAFSA info.
  5. Sign and submit!

5. What Happens Next?

  • You’ll get a Student Aid Report (SAR) summarizing your info.
  • Colleges will use your FAFSA to determine how much aid you qualify for.
  • You’ll receive financial aid offers from schools (usually in the spring).

6. Extra FAFSA Tips

✅ File early! Some aid is first-come, first-served.
✅ Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) to import tax info automatically.
✅ Double-check for mistakes before submitting.
✅ If your family’s financial situation changed, contact your college’s financial aid office!
✅ Need help? Visit https://studentaid.gov/help-center or call 1-800-433-3243.

7. Other Financial Aid Resources

Filling out the FAFSA might seem overwhelming, but it’s totally worth it! Take your time, ask for help if needed, and secure that financial aid. Your future self will thank you.