The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) now opens on October 1 for the following academic year. Seniors and their parents are encouraged to complete the FAFSA® as early as possible and definitely before March 1 as you prepare for college during your senior year.

Parents and students should start by creating an FSA ID.

Students, parents, and borrowers are required to use an FSA ID, made up of a username and password, to access certain U.S. Department of Education online systems. Your FSA ID is used to confirm your identity when accessing your financial aid information and electronically signing your federal student aid documents.
-Federal Student Aid website

Once you have your FSA ID, you can fill out the FAFSA® form to apply for financial aid for college.

Resources

Informational Videos

FAFSA4caster

FAFSA4caster is a tool that gives you an estimate of your eligibility for federal student aid. The tool is free to use and can help families plan ahead for college.

FAFSA® Apps

The FAFSA® can now be completed using an app on your smartphone.  Simply download the free myStudentAid app from the Apple App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).

Workshops for Students and Parents

College Access Fairfax hosts workshops throughout the year to help you plan and prepare. The workshops are open to parents and students of all ages and include both information seminars as well as one-on-one help to actually complete the FAFSA®. Individual schools will also host annual college planning nights. It’s never too early to start learning about how to pay for college! Checkout the College Access Fairfax calendar and read your school newsletter to find more information about events near you!