Attending college, or a technical school, can be a rewarding but costly experience, and if you're like millions of others, you'll need a student loan or another type of financial aid.
A great place to start is to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This process will help you see what kinds of financial assistance you might quality for - such as grants, work-study programs, or loans that will need to be repaid.
You can find the FAFSA application online at studentaid.gov. To fill out the FAFSA you’ll need to have your:
- Social Security Number or Alien Registration number
- Federal tax information
- Records of untaxed income
- Cash, savings, and checking account balances
- Investments other than the home in which you live
Once you have finished the application - including listing any schools you plan to apply to - you’ll be able track its status while you wait for your acceptance letters!
Once you have been accepted by a school, you’ll be contacted with an aid offer, letting you know how much you qualify for and the steps you’ll need to take next. Make sure you get your application in on time, so you’ll be ready when classes to start.