Maximize Your Chance at Aid with the FAFSA
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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.