FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid

What Is FAFSA?
FAFSA is the acronym for “Free Application for Federal Student Aid.”

It is a free application provided by the federal government that can qualify you for government-funded scholarships and grants.

It is important to note, that FAFSA is FREE! Check out this information on FAFSA... 

I Was Told I Would Have To Pay a $79.00 Processing Fee for FAFSA, What Gives?
Many unscrupulous people are taking advantage of students and their parents by touting themselves as processors, agents and partners with FAFSA. 

These fraudsters have official looking websites with the FAFSA acronym proudly displayed on all of their pages. Some of these hucksters will issue a disclaimer in very small print stating: THIS SITE IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.

Others won’t print a disclaimer; consequently, they are misleading people to believe they are associated with the US Department of Education.

Either way, we urge you not to be duped! If someone is charging money to process or submit your FAFSA application, walk away and report them. Always remember and alert all of your friends and associates, FAFSA is FREE!

Are There Any FAFSA Eligibility Requirements?
Nearly every student is eligible for some form of financial aid, including: low-interest Stafford Loans, Parent PLUS loans and Grad Plus Loans regardless of income or circumstances, provided that they:

• Are a U.S. citizen, a U.S. national or an eligible non-citizen
• Have a valid Social Security Number
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Are registered with the U.S. Selective Service if they are a male between the ages of 18-25
• Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment at a college
• Do not owe refunds on any federal student grants
• Are not in default on any student loans;
• Complete a FAFSA promising to use any federal aid for educational purposes
• Have not been found guilty of the sale or possession of illegal drugs during a period in which federal aid was being received

How Do I Apply For FAFSA?
Currently there are two ways to complete the FAFSA application. Either online at www.fafsa.ed.gov or by the old fashion paper method, either way, we must repeat, it’s FREE!

What’s The Difference Between Submitting an Online FAFSA versus a Paper FAFSA?
An online, also known as the electronic FAFSA is processed in two (2) to three (3) weeks, while the paper FAFSA takes four (4) to six (6) weeks to process.

It is strongly recommended that students apply online, because it is the fastest and easiest way to apply for financial aid! However, if you don’t have Internet access, the paper FAFSA is your only choice at the moment.

How is FAFSA Used to Determine My Financial Aid Need?
The federal government uses data provided by FAFSA to calculate a student’s (EFC) Expected Family Contribution. The Financial Aid Office calculates a student’s (COA) Cost of Attendance, which includes tuition, living expenses, miscellaneous fees, books, etc.

The mathematics work out like this: (COA) minus (EFC) equals a student’s total financial need. The student and his or her parent(s) then sets about to fund their total financial aid needs with:

• Grants
• Scholarships
• Family Funds
• Student Loans
• Work Study Programs
• Part Time/Full Time Jobs

Am I Required To Fill Out a FAFSA Every Year?
The answer is, “Yes!” Applications (both paper and electronic applications) are available starting January 1st.

Brad Matheson is a professional Financial Consultant who specializes in helping businesses and individuals resolve their debt issues. He believes that all debt problems can be solved with the right debt advice and aspires to help Americans learn all of their debt options and exercise all of their rights. Says, Matheson, “Don't allow the Student Loan Debt crisis or a Defaulted Student Loan to hinder or block your career aspirations or stymie your financial dreams, There is Student Loan Help available!”

Source: http://studentloanwhiz.com/