What is FAFSA?
FAFSA stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It is a form provided by the U.S. Department of Education that may be filled out by current and prospective college students (undergraduate and graduate) to determine their eligibility for student financial aid. It is the first step in applying for most federal, state and college-provided financial aid for students — not just federal student aid, as the name might imply.
Nearly every student may be eligible for some form of financial aid. Students who may not be eligible for need-based aid may still be eligible for an unsubsidized Stafford Loan regardless of income or circumstance. Once the FAFSA application is completed and filed, a federal processor will examine all the information and pass the results on to the financial aid offices at the preferred colleges listed on the FAFSA.
The FAFSA form is often more than 100 questions long and can seem daunting, but it isn’t really—and the helpful financial aid experts at Provo College can help you every step of the way.
Even if you think you may not be eligible, we encourage everyone to apply. The sooner you submit your FAFSA, the more financial aid options you may have!