Maximize Your Chance at Aid with the FAFSA
The new year is here, and families may now begin submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for 2016 fall enrollment.
Something important to keep in mind: The earlier you submit the FAFSA, the better your college student’s chances at financial aid.
If you haven’t completed your 2015 taxes or you’re waiting on documents like W-2 forms, then you may submit the FAFSA using estimates of your income. You can update the estimated data later.
Some state and local grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis – so the earlier you complete your FAFSA, the higher the probability of being considered for this aid.
For the fastest possible experience, complete the FAFSA online. Submission is immediate, while mailed-in forms can take several weeks to arrive and process. Therefore, online completion minimizes the lag time between receipt and processing of your FAFSA.