The FAFSA Is Open!
Hi Friend,
Happy New Year!
The delayed soft launch opening of the FAFSA makes for a crunched timeline, so it’s important to submit the FAFSA as soon as possible – even if you don’t think you’ll qualify for aid.
The FAFSA is integral to unlocking need-based grants, work-study, federal student loans and institutional aid and scholarships. The FAFSA is open, but you may experience delays during the soft launch period, so make sure you get started right away. Filing early increases the chances of receiving need-based aid, as much is offered on a first come, first serve basis.
After the FAFSA and CSS Profile have been completed, your student will receive a financial aid award letter from each school listed detailing financial aid options the school is offering. The timing of when your student receives a financial aid award letter will depend on when they applied to college. Award letters typically start arriving in the spring, but can arrive earlier for early college applicants. Learning how to navigate award letters is a vital part of the college funding process and a key component for comparing schools.
Now that the new year is here, it’s a perfect time to focus on your college planning and filing the FAFSA. Sign up for a complimentary consultation today and take the next step towards creating a clear college funding plan!
– Trixie
New FAFSA Application Is Live in ‘Soft Launch’ Mode
The Education Department initiated a “soft launch” of the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application form over the weekend, and already over 400,000 applications have been submitted.
Every year, more than 17 million students and approximately 5,500 colleges and universities use the FAFSA form. It is normally available in October, but due to major overhauls to the application process, it wasn’t available until Dec. 31.
7 Tips for Navigating Financial Aid Award Letters
Understanding and deciphering financial aid award letters is crucial for aspiring college students and their families when navigating the costs associated with higher education.
Award letters outline the financial aid package offered by a college or university. These letters are often filled with intricate financial terms and unconventional abbreviations. To unravel financial aid award letters effectively, consider the following tips:
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