FAFSA
Free Application for Federal Student Aid will fund your community college, trade school, or college education after high school.
The Basics
- Complete your FAFSA starting October 1st of your senior year.
- The earlier you complete the FAFSA the better.
- The process can seem overwhelming. Have this information available to make the process as smooth as possible:
- FSA ID (for you and at least one parent)
- Your Social Security Number (and your parents' SSN)
- Your Driver's License Number (if you have one)
- 2016 federal tax information (for you and your parents)
- Any other untaxed income information
- You can also complete this FAFSA worksheets in advance to ensure you have all the information you need.
Where can I get help? 
- Find a FAFSA Completion event near you (students can attend any completion event, not just the ones at their school)
- Talk with your High School's College & Career Readiness Counselor.
- Use online resources through Federal Student Aid.
- Twitter using #AskFAFSA @FAFSA
- YouTube channel for Federal Student Aid.
I've filed my FAFSA, now what?
- You will receive information by email (the email you gave for your FSA ID).
- This information will share estimated funds.
- Read any and all emails you receive from FAFSA/Federal Student Aid, and any college/schools you are applying to. These emails may request additional information to confirm your financial aid needs.
- Stay in communication with the financial aid office at the college/school you hope to attend. They may request additional information to confirm your financial aid needs.
- You will receive a Financial Aid Award Letter from your college/school with the financial aid (scholarships, grants, and loans) available to you. Remember: You can accept or refuse any aid (you can refuse loans if you do not want or need them).
I want to know more about FAFSA.
- Meet with your high school's College & Career Readiness Counselor.
- Attend a FAFSA Completion Event.
- Visit The FAFSA website. This site is offered by Federal Student Aid which is part of the US Department of Education.
- Go online: Twitter and use the #AskFAFSA @FAFSA, YouTube videos provide tips and step-by-step guides.
- Watch this quick video on tips for parents.
- Have unique questions? Talk with your school's College & Career Readiness Counselor. Use chat options online through NM Knowledge 4 College and through Federal Student Aid.