1. Learn about Financial Aid

Watch our Financial Aid 101 webinar
Learn all about the financial aid application process. Watch a recorded webinar in English or Spanish, or view select clips.

Watch our Understanding the FAFSA webinar
Dive deep into the FAFSA. Watch

Learn about the FSA ID
Our webinar shows how to create one. Watch
Our graphic explains who needs one.
View graphic

Watch our What to Know about the CSS Profile webinar 
View the entire presentation or select specific clips

2. Submit Your Financial Aid Applications

Read our application tips
Find out about deadlines, requirements, and staying organized. See the tips

Complete the FAFSA
The FAFSA is required by every college in the country and opens in Dec 2023. File the FAFSA

If required, complete the CSS Profile®
The CSS Profile is required by roughly 200 colleges and universities and opened Oct 1st. File the CSS Profile

Submit any supplemental forms
Check with each college to find out if any other forms are required.

3. Find Out Your Next Steps

Learn what happens after you apply
After you submit your financial aid applications, your colleges will review your data and reach out with questions. Get the details

Understand financial aid types
Once you receive your financial aid offers, they will likely include different types of aid. Learn more

Need help completing your FAFSA?

Attend a FAFSA Day event to receive free assistance from an expert

Download our Steps to Complete Your FAFSA checklist

Senior Financial Aid Timeline


Senior Financial Aid Timeline Sept - Dec

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Senior Financial Aid Timeline Sept - Dec

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Senior Financial Aid Timeline Oct 1

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Senior Financial Aid Timeline Oct - Dec

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Senior Financial Aid Timeline Dec

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Senior Financial Aid Timeline Feb - Mar

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Senior Financial Aid Timeline Mar - April

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Senior Financial Aid Timeline Spring

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Senior Financial Aid Timeline May 1

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MEFA Blog: Financial Aid Topics
Our blog contains several articles focused on financial aid , including terms to know, application instructions, tips on special circumstances, and more.

Creating an FSA ID

Financial Aid 101

Contact Us

Reach out to our College Planning Team with your questions at (800) 449-6332 or collegeplanning@mefa.org.

Request an Appointment

Complete our online form to request a one-on-one appointment with a MEFA College Planning Team member.