How to Fill Out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) Form

To apply for federal student aid, such as federal grants, work-study funds, and loans, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form at fafsa.gov. Completing and submitting the FAFSA is free and easier than ever, and it gives you access to the largest source of financial aid to help pay for college or career school.

Ready to get started? Be prepared with these seven items first: https://studentaid.gov/articles/things-you-need-for-fafsa/

If you’re a dependent student, you’ll need information about your legal parents. Uncertain about your dependency status? Visit https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out/dependency.

You’ll also want to avoid these 10 common FAFSA mistakes: https://studentaid.gov/articles/10-fafsa-mistakes-to-avoid/

For answers to more top FAFSA questions, visit https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out/help

0:00 How to Fill Out the FAFSA® Form
0:23 FAFSA® Form Explained
0:50 What You’ll Need to Get Started
1:20 Create an FSA ID
2:08 Types of Questions on the Form
2:49 List the Schools You’re Considering
3:07 Get Help With Your Form
3:18 Submit Your Application
3:44 The Post-submission Process