When Can I Start Filling Out FAFSA This Year?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines the amount of financial aid students get in college. An early start can help you plan ahead for those tuition payments.

When to Start the FAFSA Application

The FAFSA website encourages students to apply as soon as possible after January 1, but you will not be able to complete the application until you and your parents have finished your federal income tax returns.

Application Deadlines

Schools set their own financial aid deadlines, which might differ from federal and state deadlines. Corrections to the FAFSA can be made after the initial deadline has passed.

Getting an Early Start

You can get an idea of how much financial aid you might get before you even start your FAFSA. The "FAFSA4caster" website gives students an "early estimate" of federal student aid.

References

• FAFSA: Before Beginning a FAFSA
• FAFSA: Documents Needed
• FAFSA: Application Deadlines
• FAFSA4caster: Federal Student Aid

Resources

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid
• FAFSA4caster