College and career training can create new opportunities, but figuring out how to pay for education can be challenging. Tuition is only part of the cost. Students may also need to budget for books, supplies, transportation, housing, food, and other expenses.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important starting point for students seeking financial assistance. Completing the FAFSA allows the U.S. Department of Education and participating schools to determine eligibility for different types of federal student aid.
FAFSA is not only for students attending four-year universities. Students enrolled in eligible community college, vocational, technical, and career programs may also qualify for federal student aid.
1. Understand What FAFSA Actually Does
FAFSA is an application, not a loan or grant by itself. The information provided on the form is used to determine a student's eligibility for federal financial aid.
Depending on eligibility, available assistance may include:
- Federal Pell Grants
- Federal Work-Study
- Federal student loans
- Other federal student aid programs
States and colleges may also use FAFSA information when determining eligibility for their own financial assistance.
The amount and type of aid offered can depend on several factors, including financial circumstances, enrollment, the cost of attending the school, and other eligibility requirements.
Completing the FAFSA does not guarantee that all education expenses will be covered. However, it gives eligible students access to consideration for federal aid that could make education more affordable.
2. Check Whether Your School or Training Program Is Eligible
Students sometimes assume that federal student aid can be used at any training program. That is not the case.
The school and program generally need to meet federal student aid requirements. Eligible options can include certain:
- Four-year colleges
- Community colleges
- Technical schools
- Vocational schools
- Career training programs
Before enrolling, ask the school's financial aid office whether the program you are considering is eligible for federal student aid.
This is especially important when comparing short-term training programs. A program that teaches a useful job skill is not automatically eligible for federal financial assistance.
Students should also research the career itself before paying for training. CareerOneStop and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook can provide information about occupations, training requirements, working conditions, and typical wages.
3. Complete the FAFSA Carefully and On Time
Students can prepare for the FAFSA by gathering required personal and financial information. Some applicants will also need information from contributors, such as a parent or spouse, depending on their circumstances.
Each required contributor may need their own StudentAid.gov account to complete the necessary parts of the FAFSA.
When completing the application:
- Enter personal information accurately.
- Follow instructions for financial information.
- Make sure required contributors complete their sections.
- Provide required consent and approval.
- Review the form before submitting it.
- Pay attention to federal, state, and school deadlines.
Students should complete the FAFSA as early as practical. Some state and school aid programs have separate deadlines, and certain sources of funding may be limited.
FAFSA must also be completed for each award year in which a student wants to be considered for federal student aid.
4. Understand Your Financial Aid Offer
After the FAFSA is processed and a school has the information it needs, the school can determine what financial aid it may offer.
Not all financial aid works the same way.
Federal Pell Grants generally do not need to be repaid when program requirements are met. Federal Work-Study allows eligible students to earn money through qualifying part-time employment. Federal student loans are borrowed money that generally must be repaid with interest.
Before accepting an offer, compare:
- Grants and scholarships
- Work-Study opportunities
- Student loans
- Tuition and fees
- Books and supplies
- Housing and food
- Transportation
- Other expected expenses
Students do not necessarily have to accept every type of aid offered. Understanding what must be repaid can help prevent confusion later.
If the financial aid offer is unclear, contact the school's financial aid office and ask for an explanation before making a decision.
5. Look Beyond FAFSA for Additional Help
FAFSA can be an important part of paying for education, but it does not have to be the only resource you explore.
Depending on eligibility and circumstances, students and workers may also investigate:
- Scholarships
- State education grants
- School-based assistance
- Employer tuition assistance
- Workforce development programs
- Registered Apprenticeships
- Local training programs
American Job Centers can help job seekers explore employment and training resources. Workers can also ask employers whether tuition reimbursement, certification assistance, or other education benefits are available.
Combining different resources may reduce the amount that needs to come from personal savings or student loans.
FAFSA can make college or eligible career training more accessible by connecting students with federal financial aid programs. The process starts with understanding what FAFSA does, confirming that a school or program is eligible, and completing the application accurately.
After receiving a financial aid offer, compare grants, Work-Study, loans, and other resources carefully. Look at the total cost of the program rather than tuition alone.
Whether you are graduating from high school, returning to education after several years, or preparing for a career change, completing the FAFSA can be a valuable step in finding out what financial assistance may be available to help you pursue your education and career goals.