The 2025-26 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), won't be available until December 1, 2024. Here are some steps you can take now to get yourself prepared for the experience. …

Reported items include income found on the federal tax return, savings and checking accounts, investments, real estate outside of your primary home, child support received, and more. …

You'll need to report information on your income, real estate, investments, retirement accounts, 529s, the net worth of businesses and investment farms, and more.…

Tips include how to address the Additional Information section, Activities section, and University Member Page, and answering the need-based aid Common App question.…

Federal PLUS Loan funds help pay for college expenses. Learn about the types, who borrows, the qualifications, the interest rate, if there is an origination fee, borrowing limits, when repayment starts, how to select a loan, and more. …

Questions include when to apply, how they are used, who gets the money, do they affect financial aid offers, and if they are taxed or not. …

Learn about the difference between need-based aid and merit-based aid is, what exactly need-based aid, as well as what financial need is. Also, learn how colleges decide need-based aid, and what that means about need-based aid.…

Learn about who is eligible, how to apply, and how to receive it.…

During the delay, families can apply for scholarships, decide how to pay for school, and use a Net Price Calculator.…

Hear Communications Associate Shaun Connolly share his experience helping high school seniors in Worcester, MA with their FAFSA, how he used to work in high schools, and how now that he is back how rewarding it is to work with this population again.…