The Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the most important document for determining if you’re eligible for financial aid — money to help you pay for education and training beyond high school. The easiest way to file the FAFSA is online at FAFSA.gov. ALL students who are considering attending college or any educational institution after high school should file a FAFSA (FREE Application for Federal Student Aid). 

After you file your FAFSA, your college will be able to tell you which scholarships and grants you could receive as well as how much money you can borrow in federal loans. To find out more about the FAFSA, including what kinds of state financial aid is available, check out Learn More Indiana’s FAFSA guide for Hoosiers.

Contact Learn More Indiana and get connected with specialists who can answer your questions.

Students in the class of 2025 attending college in the fall of 2025 and other students completing the FAFSA will not be able to complete it until December 2024 instead of October when it usually opens.  

• Submitting the FAFSA is the most important thing you can do if you want financial aid.
• The FAFSA is free—you don’t need to pay anyone to prepare it for you.
• You need to submit a new FAFSA before each academic year in which you want to get aid. If you plan to apply for aid throughout college, you’ll need to fill out the FAFSA each year. 
• Be sure to use a permanent email address on the form, not your high school email, so you can use your FAFSA account throughout college.

FAFSA Form

How to Fill Out the FAFSA (Video)

It is a good idea to submit your application as soon as possible because financial aid is often given our on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Need Assistance?

INvestEd is Indiana’s free expert resource for students and parents seeking help with planning for education beyond high school. INvestEd’s team assists families with understanding how to fund college wisely and minimize student loan debt. Find them online at INvestED, e-mail them at Outreach@INvestEdIndiana.org, or call 317-715-9007 for free help!