FAFSA also interpreted as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is one of the most profound programs in the United States. It is a very Affordable yet efficient education service for everyone interested in it. Most students in the States have been anxious about how the program operates and its benefits. Through ignorance, many students in the United States have missed the many opportunities that can be accomplished through the program. Relax, as this article is going to be giving you every piece of information that you need concerning the program. This article also contains the requirements and the processes to go through for the program. Let’s begin with What Is A Professional Student FAFSA?
The Free Application for Federal Students Aid (FAFSA) is a program run for prospective and current college students in the States to infer their eligibility for financial assistance.
According to the records, FAFSA has existed since the post-war period. A time when Lawmakers and institutions across the States developed an intricate policy of financing college that has been difficult to navigate and has also contributed to students being in debt crisis all over the States. This also caused an unappealing situation in which parents borrow money from organizations and never return it.
FAFSA and its Program
The Free Application for Federal Students Aid(FAFSA) is a program run for college students(both the ones already in and the prospective ones) in the States. It is a form given to eligible or qualified candidates to cater to their financial needs throughout their stay in school.
FAFSA, as a program, is anchored by the US Department of Education. It has been in existence since 1965 and has been running since then. It was formulated into law through the Higher Education Acts of 1965. Many citizens of the United States have graduated from the institution through the scheme.
The main objective of this scheme is to deduce the capability of both the Need and the non-Need financial details of every student in the States. This will enable the Government to monitor and track the economic progress of each student and how they can be of help. From the financial capacity of each student, it can be stated that the program runs on different phases and levels.
The policy slated for the program ensures that all students can be a beneficiary of the program. This enables some other subprograms to find their course in the States, the program includes grants such as Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant(FSEOG), and subsidized and unsubsidized federal student loans. There are other students’ state-based financial aids including grant scholarships, need-based grants and scholarships, and school-based merit aid.
Who can Apply for FAFSA?
As said earlier, FAFSA is a form required for every student in the United States to fill out to request financial aid or assistance from the government. It is a participatory program that is aimed at curbing poverty and enhancing socio-economic development in the country.
It is interesting to know that the Application or Eligibility required for this form is in stages or phases. But, the most basic and primary requirement for this form is that: you must be a Citizen of the United States. This is in place to ensure that the purpose of the program is not diverted or not fully attained.
What do you need to fill out the form?
Even though FAFSA is open to all the citizens of the United States, there are still some details to take note of. This detail is to help the agency to distinguish the level and the phase of financial aid that an individual needs, whether it is a need-based or non-need-based, or a blend of the two.
There are also some criteria or conditions to be met to be eligible to fill this form, they are listed below:
- One must register with the Selective Service system
- One must have attained and maintained a satisfactory academic progress
- One must have a valid Social Security Number
- One must have a High School diploma
- One must have signed a statement claiming he/she does not have a record of debt with any Organization
- One must be sure he has never been guilty of any offense to the government
There are many other not listed conditions to be met before you can obtain the form.
Where to obtain the FAFSA form?
The form is a known opportunity for all youths in the United States. If there’s a question everyone has been asking, it is when the form will be out and where they can obtain it. If these questions can be properly catered for, then every youth has their problem half solved.
The US Department of Education has made it easier for every individual interested to obtain the form at their convenience. The form usually comes out quarterly and it takes a longer duration before it expires. The department also uses every media space to announce the commencement of the sale of the form and its modalities for that particular period.
Also, The Department has issued specific places across the state to all interested candidates. According to the department website, there are strictly three Locations across the nation where candidates can obtain the form. They are listed below:
- The form can be obtained online at fafsa.gov ( Note that other options like fafsa.net and fafsa.com may appear online but, they are not the official website for application and they usually extract charges which are not from the government)
- You can also obtain the form from the mystudentAid mobile app. This is the only app approved by the department that you can register.
- The last option is to call the number 1-800-433- 3243 to obtain the form in PDF.
The regulating arm of the program also organizes a fee-based test to sensitize the candidates about the free option and enhance the authorization of the program.
Conclusion
FAFSA is a government initiative that has been for many years. Its purpose is to make education easy, accessible, and affordable for every citizen in the United States. The program is free for every individual and very available
FAQs
Is FAFSA Different from CSS?
Yes, it is different. The CSS is a private program sponsored by a Non-Governmental Organization while FAFSA is duly sponsored by the government. Although, they have the same eligibility requirement.
Is the program free or on loan?
FAFSA is free! It is not a means to give loans to parents or a program with a mindset of paying back to the government later in the future. Obtaining the form can be through various means which can attract some little cost.