Applications For Student Financial Aid

Q: What are all the applications for financial aid that any student can apply for, besides private student loan applications?

A: The two main applications for financial aid that students should be aware of are FAFSA (which is the Free Application For Federal Student Aid) and the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE (only used by some colleges). In addition, some states may also require you to submit additional forms (or documentation) for state financial aid. Visit our State Financial Aid Section to learn about your states requirements and eligibility for state financial aid. The FAFSA is used by almost every college and/or school, and is required if you wish to be considered for federal financial aid for college. The FAFSA is completely free, and can be filed online at www.fafsa.gov. Once you file a FAFSA you will be able to see if you qualify for any federal need-based aid for college. Federal Financial Aid includes:

- Federal Pell Grants
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
- Academic Competitive Grants
- Federal Work Study
- Federal Perkins Loans
- Federal Stafford Loans
- Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS Loans)

For more on FAFSA view our free eGuide: FAFSA: It’s Not Really That Difficult OR visit www.fafsa.gov. The CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE is the financial aid application service of the College Board. More than 600 colleges, universities, graduate and professional schools, and scholarship programs use the information collected on the PROFILE to determine eligibility for nonfederal student aid funds. You will only need to file the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE if your school requires it. The best way to determine if you are required to file a CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE, is to contact the Financial Aid Department at your school. If your school does require the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE, you will still need to file a FAFSA to be considered for federal financial aid. The CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE is available online, however there is an application fee, plus a fee for each college or scholarship program to which you want information sent.