FAFSA 2024: Your Key to College Dreams

Written By Pradeep Saran

[{"selector":"#anim-cd092477-73f5-460e-874a-71fb3a657ea3","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-0723c839-8e6d-4829-ba52-207b6a02f489","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-117.3077%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Navigate the form, unlock financial aid, and make your higher education goals a reality.

[{"selector":"#anim-323c6587-a48f-40ad-bdcf-039bf6c6d3aa","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-2adabf50-6f75-4b61-85a6-4709026d1b98","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-117.3077%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is your gateway to federal, state, and institutional financial aid for college or career school.

[{"selector":"#anim-2dfefaa5-96d0-4982-a6e8-57528683d525","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-184ca52b-2871-4ce5-8a83-f94747d09090","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-117.3077%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] The FAFSA opens on October 1st each year and is available for the following academic year. Apply early for better chances of receiving aid!

[{"selector":"#anim-740360cf-17ad-4708-b3eb-b941f60dc36c","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-2c09a8d0-7492-4142-aa03-f7deecf21007","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-115.38462%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] – Federal tax returns for you and your parents/guardians. – Social Security numbers for everyone listed on the FAFSA – School codes for colleges you're considering

[{"selector":"#anim-667a3367-a953-48e4-aba3-75a9961a4475","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-40dfc5e7-8aba-4ea4-887a-4338799fd09b","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-115.38462%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] – Federal Student Aid website: FAQs, tutorials, and live chat support. – Your high school counselor: They can guide you through the process.

[{"selector":"#anim-4441230c-210a-4c24-8e65-dbbb02917fad","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-8edb1b04-6c35-4774-9a8d-1dca49ba221b","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-115.38462%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] – College financial aid offices: Reach out to the schools you're interested

[{"selector":"#anim-21e58481-804d-47e4-bc53-7709f7a6caa3","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-6a372229-d6b0-491a-9a66-cf64c2c17a3d","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-115.38462%, 0px, 0)","translate3d(0px, 0px, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.2, 0.6, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] – Merit-based scholarships: Awarded based on academic achievement or other criteria. – Need-based grants: Financial aid for students with demonstrated financial need.

FAFSA 2024: Your Key to College Dreams

Read More: Credit Score Secrets: How to Boost Your Score for a Better Rate