FAFSA,  Free Application for Federal Student Aid,  is a form completed by current and prospective college students in the United States to determine their eligibility for student financial aid. The FAFSA is the official form that families use to apply for financial assistance for college from the federal government. States, individual colleges and universities, and private scholarship programs rely on the information provided in the application as well. More than $120 billion in federal aid is offered to millions of students. That aid consists of grants, work-study, and loans.

The FAFSA application for the 2021-2022 school year has been open since October 1st, 2020 and closes on March 2nd, 2021. It is recommended to fill out the application as soon as possible. For seniors who are filing a FAFSA application, you must be a U.S citizen or legal permanent resident, must have a valid social security number, must obtain a highschool diploma or GED, and a name on your FAFSA application to match your Social Security card. If you are a noncitizen without a Social Security card or had one issued through the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, you should fill out the California Dream Act Application. Filling out the FAFSA form can be a confusing, complex process for most families. Which is why multiple workshops are offered by college programs to help students fill out the application.

Various educational programs offered at Hoover such as College Avenue Compact and Wahupa are available resources to assist in filling out the FAFSA application or answer any questions about the process. If there are any questions, you can contact these two programs for more information about FAFSA. Seniors, don’t forget to submit your FAFSA application before March 2nd, 2021. Good luck!

Federal Student Aid