Why filling out the FAFSA matters Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid is one of the most important steps you can take when planning to pay for college. Each year, the federal government distributes around $150 billion in financial aid through grants, low-interest student loans, and work-study programs. States and institutions also use your FAFSA information to decide how much additional aid you may qualify for, so even if you are unsure about eligibility, it is still worth submitting. FAFSA resources Federal aid basics
Money for College Money for College walks you through the basics of federal financial aid and explains why completing the FAFSA is the first step to unlocking grants, loans, and work-study options. It also points to trusted federal tools where you can see what aid you might qualify for and how to manage it after you transfer. Explore Money for College
Explore aid offered by your state NASFAA’s page helps you explore financial aid offered by your state. It explains that most states have at least one grant or scholarship through their education agency and lists deadlines you will want to watch. You can pick your state to see specific programs, and it also reminds you to look into tuition exchanges and other local aid options. Explore state aid programs
Aid from the school itself Many institutions offer aid from their own funds. Our Transfer Profiles make it easy to find college and university specific financial aid policies, along with available scholarships and grants. Browse Transfer Profiles
CareerOneStop scholarship finder The US Labor Department’s CareerOneStop page has a free tool where you can search scholarships, fellowships, grants, and other financial aid options. Search by deadline, keyword, and other filters, then follow links to official sponsor sites to apply. Search scholarships