When it comes to financial aid, every student wants to ensure that they’re getting the maximum support possible. That’s why it’s helpful to gain a robust understanding of how FAFSA works so that students and their families can decide how to tackle the cost of college.
Get started by exploring some of the questions below—and feel free to skip to the questions that are relevant to you!
When Is the FAFSA Due?
The FAFSA becomes available on October 1, prior to the upcoming academic year. For example, the FAFSA for the 2025-2026 academic year became available on October 1, 2024.
The federal deadline for the 2025-2026 FAFSA is June 30, 2026. However, states and schools may have earlier deadlines for state and institutional aid. You can view state FAFSA deadlines online, and you should contact your college to find out their FAFSA deadline for institutional aid.
Submitting the FAFSA early is a smart idea. Some aid is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, so submitting the FAFSA as close to October 1 as possible will give you the best chance to receive the most possible aid.
How Often Do You Have to Submit a Financial Aid Application?
The FAFSA has to be completed every academic year you’re in school. For example, if you are a four-year undergraduate student, you’ll need to complete it four times over the length of your college career. If you need more time in school or plan to attend graduate school, you’ll have to fill it out again for every additional year.
How Can I Get Help With the FAFSA?
To get help with the FAFSA, contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243. If you have general questions that don’t require sharing sensitive information, you can also email FederalStudentAidCustomerService@ed.gov.
Is Financial Aid Free Money?
Depending on the type of financial aid you’re eligible for, you may not have to repay it. Grants and scholarships are forms of gift aid and don’t need to be repaid. By contrast, federal and private student loans must be repaid with interest.
Is There an Income Limit for Financial Aid?
Many people worry their incomes are too high or their parents make too much for financial aid. But there is no income cap for the FAFSA. And even if your household has a relatively high income, you should fill out the FAFSA, as you may still qualify for some types of federal, state, or institutional financial aid.
Is There a GPA Requirement for Financial Aid?
To qualify for financial aid, you need to meet any satisfactory academic progress requirements set forth by your school. While there aren’t specific federal GPA requirements, you do have to earn enough credits and maintain high enough grades to move toward completing your degree in a time period acceptable to your college.
Are International Students Eligible for Federal Student Aid?
International students normally aren’t eligible for federal student aid, but some exceptions do exist. A few common examples of eligible noncitizen circumstances include:
- U.S. permanent residents
- Those with Arrival/Departure Records (I-94) from U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services showing that you were granted asylum, are an eligible refugee, are a Cuban-Haitian entrant, or parolee
- Citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau
- You or your parents hold a T nonimmigrant status (“T-visa“) (for victims of human trafficking)
- You are a “battered immigrant-qualified alien” who is a victim of abuse by your citizen or permanent resident spouse, or you are the child of a person designated as such under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
If you don’t meet those requirements, you can explore alternative financing options, such as scholarships and grants offered by third-party organizations and private student loans.
Does Student Financial Aid Cover Full Tuition?
While you’ll likely qualify for some financial aid, you may not be eligible for enough aid to cover the total cost of attendance. After deducting all federal, private, and institutional scholarships, grants, and work-study programs, many students take out federal or private student loans to cover remaining expenses.
Can You Get Financial Aid for Summer Classes?
Financial aid for summer classes is available in certain cases. However, annual and aggregate limits on undergraduate student loans exist, so you may not have enough aid left over to cover summer classes. Student loans and other scholarships may help pay for your classes.
Can You Get Financial Aid for Grad School?
Graduate students should also complete the FAFSA. You may be eligible for institutional grants or scholarships, or for federal student loans. Graduate students can utilize unsubsidized loans and PLUS loans; however, private student loans may have competitive interest rates.
Can I Get Financial Aid Without My Parents?
Most undergraduate students are dependent, so your parent’s financial information is required to complete the FAFSA.
If your parents refuse to provide their information or you don’t have contact with them, you can submit the FAFSA with incomplete information. However, you must contact your college’s financial aid office and share the necessary documentation to explain your situation.
If your parent is unwilling to assist with your FAFSA, but you don’t qualify for an official exemption, follow these instructions provided by studentaid.gov.
Can You File the FAFSA on Paper?
While completing the FAFSA online is more accessible for most people, you can fill out and submit a paper version. Make a copy for your records, then send the completed form to Federal Student Aid Programs, P.O. Box 7650, London, KY 40742-7650.
What Options Do I Have If I’m Not Eligible for Financial Aid?
If you miss the FAFSA deadline or aren’t eligible for federal financial aid, there are other options to pay for school. FAFSA alternatives include scholarships and grants offered by third-party organizations, and you can also apply for federal and/or private student loans.
Still have questions? Continue exploring ELFI’s resources on FAFSA and Financial Aid.
