How to Apply for Financial Aid

You can get the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA):

Online at fafsa.ed.gov.
From the school counselor.
From a college financial aid office.
From a local public library.
From the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243).

If you're going to file electronically at fafsa.ed.gov, start looking at the website in December and sign-up for your PIN number. Then you'll be ready to enter the information in January.

Make sure you check financial aid deadlines!

The FAFSA will list deadlines for federal and state aid. Also check the requirements at the colleges your child is interested in applying to. Some require additional financial aid forms.