Education

FAFSA Simplifier

The FAFSA unlocks federal grants, loans, work-study, and often state and school aid too. It's free to file, and the biggest mistake is not filing at all. Here's everything you need to know, decoded.

File it even if you think you won't qualify.

Millions of students leave free money on the table by not filing. The FAFSA takes 30-45 minutes, costs $0, and you might be surprised what you qualify for. Some aid is first-come-first-served, so file early.

// Quick Aid Estimator

This is a rough estimate of your Student Aid Index (SAI) and potential Pell Grant eligibility. The real FAFSA calculation is more complex, but this gives you a ballpark.

Your Family Size (including you)

Family in College (including you)

Household Income (parent/guardian AGI from last year's tax return)

Estimated Cost of Attendance (tuition + room + board + books — check your school's website)

// What You Need Before You Start

Gather these before you sit down to file. Having everything ready makes it 10x faster.

0 / 10 ready

// FAFSA Terms Decoded

The FAFSA is full of jargon. Here's what it actually means.

// Key Deadlines

// Mistakes That Cost You Money

// What Happens After You File