Paying for College: Financial Aid

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Paying forCollege: Financial Aid (FAFSA) Eligibility Requirements

Follow these tips to helpyou determine how to finance your college education

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By U.S. News University Directory

FAFSA Eligibility Requirements

If one or both of your parents are musical stars,professional athletes or partners at an elite law firm, you probably can skipthis article.

Otherwise, read on – and get to know why the acronym FAFSAis important if you plan on attending college.

FAFSA stand for Free Application for Federal Student Aid,and it’s your ticket to obtaining federal loans. That’s important becausefederal loans generally offer the best interest rates and repayment terms.College loans also are available from private sources – such as banks – butthey often feature higher rates and less leeway in terms of repayment.

Do note that it’s important to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible in the student’sfinal year of high school. That’s because aid money is distributed on afirst-come, first-serve basis.

Am I Eligible for Federal Student Aid?

The federal Department of Education, which administersFAFSA, says most students are eligible. Here are the requirements:

·                                Be a U.S.citizen or eligible noncitizen.

·                                Have a valid Social Security number.

·                                Have a high school diploma, a General Education Development (GED)certificate or have completed homeschooling.

·                                Be a degree- or certificate-seeking regular student enrolled in aneligible program.

·                                Maintain satisfactory academic performance.

·                                Not be in default of a federal student loan or owe a refund on afederal student grant.

·                                Register (or already be registered) with the Selective ServiceSystem. This applies to males not currently on active duty in the armed forces.

·                                Not have a conviction for possessing or selling illegal drugs foran offense occurring while you were receiving federal student aid, includinggrants, work-study or loans. Those students with a conviction must complete theStudent Aid Eligibility Worksheet to determine eligibility.

Other conditions may apply, so check this graphic fordetails or visit studentaid.ed.gov. The financial aid office at your collegemay also be able to help.

Learn More, Get Help with FAFSA

Filling out the FAFSA won’t be fun, but don’t beintimidated.

“The FAFSA is a lengthy form, and somewhat complicated. Besure to read the instructions before completing the form,” according tofastweb.com. “Most questions about the FAFSA can be answered just by readingthe instructions carefully.”

Information you’ll need will include the Title IVInstitution Code for every school that you apply to, which is available throughthe school or this database.

Before submitting the FAFSA, make sure to print orsave a copy and keep it in a safe place. Also keep copies of all documents youused to fill out the FAFSA.

If you complete the FAFSA online, make sure you reach thefinal page that says the document has been submitted. And if you mail theFAFSA, obtain a certificate of mailing from the post office as proof.

Other avenues of help include:

• The Federal Student Aid Information Centerat 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243, TDD 1-800-730-8913), which is availablefrom 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday.

• The Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid programhas its own resource page.

• College Goal Sunday, which is a free initiative by theNational Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA).