Top 4 Reasons to

File the FAFSA Early

1. Maximize State-Based Financial Aid

Funding Find out if your state offers Need-based grants to students

• Eligibility requirements may include:

– Student maintained residence in that state for a minimum amount of time

– Student’s parent(s) normally maintain residence in that same state

– Student demonstrates financial need on FAFSA

– Student is attending a qualified institution usually within their home state

Each state operates differently, and follows a

different deadline for the FAFSA filing date.

Research your state’s department of higher

education to confirm grant program details.

Make sure that you hit the deadline to maximize

eligibility.

2. Maximize School / Institutional Funding

Every school has 2 funding types:

Need-based & Merit-based

Schools award funding on a first-come

first-serve basis, and often wait until the

FAFSA information is available before they

award everything

The faster you

submit your

FAFSA, the better

chance you have

to maximize your

funding!

3. Eliminate Non-Options

It’s only January so there is still time to consider multiple admissions

offers

You may find great variety in offers, and can eliminate

options that don’t make sense financially

After you consider your financial aid options, prioritize

your list of schools considering value versus out of

pocket expenses

4. Compare Offers and Appeal if Necessary

Let the schools compete for you! File the FAFSA early and schools will give it their best shot to offer you the best package

If an appeal due to unemployment is necessary, getting the FAFSA in early is the first step

Appeals for financial aid due to unemployment follow set procedure.

Expect a complete review of proper documentation requiring timely delivery of important documents