Many families mistakenly think they don't qualify for aid, but actually do.

There are a few sources of government funding that are available regardless of need, but you still need to fill out the FAFSA® to get access to -- for example, federal unsubsidized Direct loans and PLUS loans. We know these are loans (scary!), but government loans (especially the Direct ones) tend to have lower interest rates, so are cheaper than private ones. Also, by applying for the FAFSA®, you'll only get OFFERED these loans. You aren't required to accept/take them unless you want to. Filling out the FAFSA® just gives you options!

Many external scholarship programs require the FAFSA® as part of their application process.

Some states require you to complete the FAFSA® as a graduation requirement. So if you want to don that cap & gown in any of these states, complete the FAFSA®: AL, CA, CO, IL, LA, MD, NH, TX