Your First Step to Getting Financial Aid

The college search process is full of many exciting and important questions. One of the more stressful questions for many students is –How am I going to pay for my college education? This is where financial aid comes in. Every year, millions of students utilize financial aid to help pay for school. Financial aid includes grants, scholarships, loans, and work study funding, all of which help make your educational costs affordable.

The most important step in accessing financial aid for college is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Completing the FAFSA unlocks doors you didn’t even know existed—grants that don’t need repaying, low-interest loans with flexible terms, even scholarships from schools chasing your talent. This one application will allow you to access many of the biggest financial aid programs. Regardless of which college you plan to attend, it is important to submit a FAFSA.

Key FAFSA Facts

1. It is quick to apply: The FAFSA takes about 15-20 minutes and can be completed entirely online. 
2. It is free: the first “F” in FAFSA stands for free! There is not cost to submit the application. 
3. It can be used for any college in the United States: When you apply, you can add up to 20 schools to the application. Make sure you include every institution you are interested in attending so they are able to share more details about the financial aid you will be eligible for. You DO NOT need to decide where you plan to attend before you apply for FAFSA.
4. The FAFSA is open now: Get started with your application today! We have more information on our website, or you can head straight to the Federal Student Aid website to apply now. 

Take Action

To begin, gather your necessary documentation, including tax returns from the previous year, Social Security numbers, bank statements, and investment records for both you and your parents if you are a dependent. Once you have these ready, visit studentaid.gov to create or log into your FSA ID.

As you fill out the form, you will be guided through sections regarding your income, household information, and school plans. We recommend double-checking every field and saving your progress frequently to ensure accuracy. After submission, you can use your FSA ID to track the status of your application and make any necessary corrections.

Need Help?

Minnesota Goes to College is offering free, virtual information sessions about a variety of key college-going topics, including how to apply for the FAFSA. Sign up to attend a session today! 

Take the right steps to make your education affordable. Financial aid programs are available to help you pay for college and reach your career goals. So, take the first step now and complete the FAFSA!