Why Every College-Bound Student Should Fill Out the FAFSA 

College is expensive. Between tuition, books, housing, and other costs, the price tag can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, financial aid is available to ease the burden, and every college-bound student should consider applying for it. By completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and, if applicable, the CSS Profile (required for some private colleges), students can gain access to student loans, grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and enhanced merit aid packages.  

Many families assume they won’t qualify for financial aid, yet these applications help colleges determine not only need-based aid but also gauge your family’s dedication to making education affordable. Even students from more affluent backgrounds can benefit, especially when schools are competing to attract them.  

Applying for financial aid could mean receiving thousands of dollars that doesn’t have to be repaid. Regardless of whether you think your student will qualify, submitting an application can reveal unexpected opportunities. Here are some reasons why it’s beneficial to apply and discover your student’s potential eligibility. 

1. You Might Qualify for More Than You Think 

Many families assume they won’t qualify for aid because they earn “too much.” But financial aid isn’t just for low-income households. Factors like family size and cost of attendance all play a role. Even middle- and upper-middle-income families can receive grants, scholarships, or low-interest loans. 

2. It’s Not Just About Need-Based Aid 

When your student fills out the FAFSA, they are not just applying for need-based aid. They are also unlocking access to: 

• Merit-based scholarships – Merit aid, or merit-based scholarships, is awarded to students for their talents or significant achievements, rather than financial need.  
• State and institutional aid – Two main avenues for financial aid are provided by state governments and colleges or universities through institutional aid. 
• Work-study programs – Work-study offers an opportunity to gain valuable work experience while attending college and the money doesn’t have to be paid back. 
• Federal student loans – When students apply for financial aid, they might be offered loans to borrow and repay with interest. These loans can come from the federal government, private banks, or other organizations. Federal student loans generally offer more benefits than private ones. 

3. It’s Free and Easy to Apply 

The FAFSA is available at no cost to fill out, and with recent improvements, it’s simpler than ever. Most people can finish it in less than an hour, and you need to complete it just once each academic year. This small-time investment could result in substantial financial savings.

4. Financial Aid Can Make College Possible 

For many students, financial aid can determine whether they attend college or not. Scholarships and grants, which don’t require repayment, and subsidized loans, which don’t accumulate interest during their studies, can make higher education attainable and reduce long-term debt.  

5. Completing the FAFSA Isn’t a Commitment  

Completing the FAFSA doesn’t bind your child to any specific college or loan. It merely provides them with a variety of opportunities. Instead, it equips them with the ability to evaluate different offers and make well-informed choices about their future. 

6. Aid Can Be Renewed and Adjusted 

Your family’s financial situation may change each year, or even after submitting the FAFSA. By submitting the FAFSA application annually, you ensure that the financial aid provided to your college student is in line with your family’s current circumstances. In addition, some scholarships and grants can be renewed, enabling your student to receive aid throughout their entire college journey. 

7. You Can Request a Better Financial Aid Offer 

Submitting the FAFSA and CSS Profile shows colleges that affordability is important to your family. These forms not only help with aid but also allow you to appeal your financial aid or merit award offers. If your student gets offers from various colleges with different net prices, use that to negotiate as some schools might increase  aid to remain competitive.  

To appeal, contact the college’s financial aid office for their process, usually requiring a formal appeal letter explaining your situation with documentation. A successful appeal could alter their financial options and even change which college becomes the best fit for your student. 

8. Colleges Are Eager to Attract Students  

Colleges want students to choose their school. One way they do this is by offering tuition discounts and generous merit aid. Tuition discounting involves reducing advertised tuition costs through financial aid or scholarships, making higher education more accessible. These reductions, not always prominently displayed, are funded by institutional income like endowments or full-price tuition payments.  

The increasing prevalence of tuition discounting is mainly driven by the competitive landscape among higher education institutions. Colleges use financial aid and discounts to attract diverse and exceptional students. Offering financial aid and discounts becomes a way to stand out and to entice these students to select their college. 

Applying for financial aid is one of the smartest moves students can make when planning for college. Even if they think they won’t qualify, the potential benefits far outweigh the effort. Education is an investment in their future and financial aid helps make that investment possible. 

For more information go to westfacecollegeplanning.com.