Applying for a Student Loan
Though you will want to work with the financial aid office at your school, some web resources are useful to help you plan.
Before you can receive any federal aid, you will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. This standardized form allows the financial aid offices to compare the financial needs of the different students and match them to the most appropriate funding source. Those with the least ability to pay are first in line for grants and subsidized loans.
Because the application process is not simple and because there are many early deadlines, students should plan ahead before applying for aid. A good place to start is The Guide to Federal Student Aid.
To Apply Online for Federal Student Aid
- Go online to www.fafsa.ed.gov.
- As an alternative, go online to www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov and click on the FAFSA logo in the left column.
- If you have created a “MyFSA” account at www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov, many sections of the FAFSA will automatically be completed for you, saving time and eliminating mistakes.
- If you previously completed FAFSA4caster, you may choose to have your FAFSA populated with the information you already provided. If you complete FAFSA4caster and need to apply for aid right away, just follow the instructions in FAFSA4caster and finish the process of applying for aid.