{"id":62174,"date":"2022-11-22T11:09:04","date_gmt":"2022-11-22T16:09:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/?p=62174"},"modified":"2026-03-06T18:32:41","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T23:32:41","slug":"the-complete-fafsa-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/the-complete-fafsa-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"The Complete FAFSA Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<html lang=\"en\">\n<head>\n<meta charset=\"UTF-8\">\n<meta name=\"viewport\" content=\"width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0\">\n<title>The Complete FAFSA Guide \u2014 TUN<\/title>\n<link href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=DM+Sans:ital,opsz,wght@0,9..40,300;0,9..40,400;0,9..40,500;0,9..40,600;0,9..40,700;1,9..40,400&#038;family=Fraunces:ital,opsz,wght@0,9..144,300;0,9..144,500;0,9..144,700;1,9..144,400&#038;display=swap\" rel=\"stylesheet\">\n<style>\n  :root {\n    --tun-black: #0D0D0D; --tun-white: #FAFAF8; --tun-blue: #1B4DFF; --tun-blue-light: #E8EEFF;\n    --tun-blue-dark: #0A2DB3; 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gap: 10px; }\n    .hero-dates { gap: 12px; }\n  }\n<\/style>\n<\/head>\n<body>\n\n<div class=\"site-header\" id=\"siteHeader\">\n<\/div>\n\n<!-- HERO -->\n<section class=\"hero\">\n  <div class=\"hero-inner\">\n    <div class=\"hero-breadcrumb\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/\">Resources<\/a> &nbsp;\/&nbsp; FAFSA Guide<\/div>\n    <h1>The Complete<br><em>FAFSA Guide<\/em><\/h1>\n    <p class=\"hero-sub\">Everything you need to know to master the FAFSA, maximize your financial aid, and pay for college.<\/p>\n    <div class=\"hero-dates\">\n      <div class=\"hero-date\"><div class=\"hero-date-label\">2025-26 Deadline<\/div><div class=\"hero-date-value\">June 30, 2026<\/div><\/div>\n      <div class=\"hero-date\"><div class=\"hero-date-label\">2026-27 Opened<\/div><div class=\"hero-date-value\">October 1, 2025<\/div><\/div>\n      <div class=\"hero-date\"><div class=\"hero-date-label\">Need Help?<\/div><div class=\"hero-date-value\">1-800-433-3243<\/div><\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/studentaid.gov\/h\/apply-for-aid\/fafsa\" class=\"btn-primary\" target=\"_blank\">Start Your FAFSA Application &rarr;<\/a>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<!-- TABLE OF CONTENTS -->\n<nav class=\"toc\">\n  <div class=\"toc-inner\">\n    <h3>On this page<\/h3>\n    <div class=\"toc-grid\">\n      <a href=\"#basics\" class=\"toc-link\"><span class=\"toc-num\">01<\/span> FAFSA Basics<\/a>\n      <a href=\"#how\" class=\"toc-link\"><span class=\"toc-num\">02<\/span> How FAFSA Works<\/a>\n      <a href=\"#eligibility\" class=\"toc-link\"><span class=\"toc-num\">03<\/span> Eligibility<\/a>\n      <a href=\"#apply\" class=\"toc-link\"><span class=\"toc-num\">04<\/span> How to Apply<\/a>\n      <a href=\"#faq\" class=\"toc-link\"><span class=\"toc-num\">05<\/span> Common Questions<\/a>\n      <a href=\"#guides\" class=\"toc-link\"><span class=\"toc-num\">06<\/span> Essential Guides<\/a>\n      <a href=\"#videos\" class=\"toc-link\"><span class=\"toc-num\">07<\/span> FAFSA Videos<\/a>\n      <a href=\"#tools\" class=\"toc-link\"><span class=\"toc-num\">08<\/span> Tools &amp; Contact<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/nav>\n\n<div class=\"content\">\n\n  <!-- BASICS -->\n  <section class=\"content-section\" id=\"basics\">\n    <h2>What is the FAFSA?<\/h2>\n    <p>The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is a form that high school seniors and college students complete to be considered for financial aid, including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/all-you-need-to-know-about-pell-grants\/\">Pell Grants<\/a>, federal <a href=\"https:\/\/studentaid.gov\/understand-aid\/types\/work-study\" target=\"_blank\">work-study<\/a> programs, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/what-are-federal-student-loans\/\">federal student loans<\/a>, and state or school financial aid awards.<\/p>\n    <div class=\"callout callout-blue\">\n      <h4>Why it matters<\/h4>\n      <p>The FAFSA is the gateway to billions of dollars in financial aid. Even if you think you won&#8217;t qualify for need-based aid, completing the FAFSA is essential &mdash; many schools require it for merit-based scholarships, too.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <!-- HOW IT WORKS -->\n  <section class=\"content-section\" id=\"how\">\n    <h2>How does the FAFSA work?<\/h2>\n    <p>Colleges need a completed FAFSA form to determine your eligibility for financial aid. After you submit your FAFSA, you&#8217;ll receive a <strong>FAFSA Submission Summary<\/strong> from the office of Federal Student Aid within a few days (online) or two weeks (mail). This contains your <strong>Student Aid Index (SAI)<\/strong> &mdash; an index number from &ndash;1500 to 999999, calculated from the information you provided.<\/p>\n    <p>Your college uses your SAI to calculate how much and what types of financial aid you&#8217;re eligible for. You&#8217;ll then receive aid offers or award letters from each school that accepted you.<\/p>\n    <div class=\"callout callout-gold\">\n      <h4>Key term: Student Aid Index (SAI)<\/h4>\n      <p>The SAI replaced the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) starting with the 2024-25 school year. It&#8217;s calculated from income, assets, family size, and other factors.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <!-- ELIGIBILITY -->\n  <section class=\"content-section\" id=\"eligibility\">\n    <h2>Who qualifies?<\/h2>\n    <p>To qualify for federal student aid, you must:<\/p>\n    <ul>\n      <li>Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen<\/li>\n      <li>Have a valid Social Security number<\/li>\n      <li>Be enrolled or accepted in an eligible degree or certificate program<\/li>\n      <li>Maintain satisfactory academic progress<\/li>\n      <li>Sign the certification statement<\/li>\n      <li>Have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent<\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n    <p>You must also show financial need for need-based aid and be enrolled at least half-time for Direct Loans.<\/p>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <!-- HOW TO APPLY -->\n  <section class=\"content-section\" id=\"apply\">\n    <h2>How to apply<\/h2>\n    <p>You can complete the FAFSA in one of two ways:<\/p>\n    <ol>\n      <li><strong>Online (recommended):<\/strong> Complete it at <a href=\"https:\/\/studentaid.gov\/h\/apply-for-aid\/fafsa\" target=\"_blank\">studentaid.gov<\/a><\/li>\n      <li><strong>Paper:<\/strong> Fill out the <a href=\"https:\/\/studentaid.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/2025-26-fafsa.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">FAFSA PDF form<\/a>, print it, and mail it<\/li>\n    <\/ol>\n    <p>You&#8217;ll need an <strong>FSA ID<\/strong> &mdash; a unique username and password &mdash; to log in and sign your form electronically. Create yours at <a href=\"https:\/\/studentaid.gov\/fsa-id\/create-account\/launch\" target=\"_blank\">studentaid.gov<\/a>. Your FSA ID is only for you &mdash; don&#8217;t share it, even with your parents.<\/p>\n\n    <h3>FAFSA renewal<\/h3>\n    <p>You must renew your FAFSA each year. Log in to your account, select &#8220;FAFSA Renewal,&#8221; and update any changed information. Use the <strong>IRS Data Retrieval Tool (IRS DRT)<\/strong> to automatically transfer your tax information.<\/p>\n\n    <h3>Adding schools<\/h3>\n    <p>You must list at least one school on your FAFSA. For the 2026-27 online application, you can list up to 20 schools. Find your school&#8217;s Federal School Code at <a href=\"https:\/\/studentaid.gov\/fafsa-app\/FSCsearch\" target=\"_blank\">studentaid.gov<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n    <div class=\"callout callout-green\">\n      <h4>For a detailed step-by-step walkthrough<\/h4>\n      <p>See TUN&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/the-complete-guide-to-fafsa\/\" style=\"color:var(--tun-black); font-weight:700;\">Complete Step-by-Step FAFSA Guide<\/a> for instructions on every section of the form.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <!-- FAQ -->\n  <section class=\"content-section\" id=\"faq\">\n    <h2>Common questions<\/h2>\n\n    <div class=\"faq-item\"><div class=\"faq-q\" onclick=\"toggleFaq(this)\">How much money does FAFSA give?<span class=\"faq-arrow\">&#8595;<\/span><\/div><div class=\"faq-a\">The amount depends on your Student Aid Index (SAI). <strong>Need-based aid<\/strong> includes Pell Grants, FSEOG, Direct Subsidized Loans, and Federal Work-Study. <strong>Non-need-based aid<\/strong> includes Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Federal PLUS Loans, and TEACH Grants. Your school&#8217;s financial aid office calculates your specific award based on your SAI and the school&#8217;s cost of attendance.<\/div><\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"faq-item\"><div class=\"faq-q\" onclick=\"toggleFaq(this)\">Do I need FAFSA for student loans?<span class=\"faq-arrow\">&#8595;<\/span><\/div><div class=\"faq-a\">Yes. You must complete the FAFSA to be considered for federal student loans. Four types are available through the <a href=\"https:\/\/studentaid.gov\/understand-aid\/types\/loans\" target=\"_blank\">Direct Loan Program<\/a>: Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/what-is-a-parent-plus-loan-heres-what-you-need-to-know\/\">Parent PLUS Loans<\/a>, and Direct Consolidation Loans.<\/div><\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"faq-item\"><div class=\"faq-q\" onclick=\"toggleFaq(this)\">How long does FAFSA take to process?<span class=\"faq-arrow\">&#8595;<\/span><\/div><div class=\"faq-a\">You&#8217;ll receive your FAFSA Submission Summary within a few days of online submission or about two weeks if you mailed a paper form.<\/div><\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"faq-item\"><div class=\"faq-q\" onclick=\"toggleFaq(this)\">How do I check my FAFSA status?<span class=\"faq-arrow\">&#8595;<\/span><\/div><div class=\"faq-a\">Log in at <a href=\"https:\/\/studentaid.gov\/h\/apply-for-aid\/fafsa\" target=\"_blank\">studentaid.gov<\/a>. Your application status will be available on the &#8220;My FAFSA&#8221; page. For paper submissions, allow 7-10 business days from when you mailed it.<\/div><\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"faq-item\"><div class=\"faq-q\" onclick=\"toggleFaq(this)\">How do parents log into FAFSA?<span class=\"faq-arrow\">&#8595;<\/span><\/div><div class=\"faq-a\">Parents of dependent students must create their own FSA ID to log in and electronically sign their student&#8217;s FAFSA form. As of December 2023, parents without a Social Security number can create an FSA ID. If you have siblings in college, your parents can use the same FSA ID for all applications.<\/div><\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"faq-item\"><div class=\"faq-q\" onclick=\"toggleFaq(this)\">Am I a dependent or independent student?<span class=\"faq-arrow\">&#8595;<\/span><\/div><div class=\"faq-a\">FAFSA has specific rules for dependency status that differ from IRS rules. Most undergraduate students under 24 are considered dependent. See TUN&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/am-i-a-dependent-or-independent-student-for-fafsa-purposes\/\">dependency status guide<\/a> for details.<\/div><\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"faq-item\"><div class=\"faq-q\" onclick=\"toggleFaq(this)\">Can I add more than 20 schools?<span class=\"faq-arrow\">&#8595;<\/span><\/div><div class=\"faq-a\">The 2026-27 online FAFSA allows up to 20 schools. To add more, delete a school that has already processed your aid application and add a new one. Note: removed schools lose access to new information you provide.<\/div><\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <!-- ESSENTIAL GUIDES -->\n  <section class=\"content-section\" id=\"guides\">\n    <h2>Essential FAFSA guides<\/h2>\n    <div class=\"guides-grid\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/the-complete-guide-to-fafsa\/\" class=\"guide-card\"><div class=\"guide-card-icon\">&#128218;<\/div><div><h5>Step-by-Step FAFSA Guide<\/h5><p>Complete walkthrough<\/p><\/div><\/a>\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/5-fafsa-tips\/\" class=\"guide-card\"><div class=\"guide-card-icon\">&#128161;<\/div><div><h5>5 FAFSA Tips to Keep You Sane<\/h5><p>Expert strategies<\/p><\/div><\/a>\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/fafsas-relationship-status-with-your-parents-its-complicated\/\" class=\"guide-card\"><div class=\"guide-card-icon\">&#128106;<\/div><div><h5>FAFSA &amp; Parent Information<\/h5><p>What parents need to know<\/p><\/div><\/a>\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/am-i-a-dependent-or-independent-student-for-fafsa-purposes\/\" class=\"guide-card\"><div class=\"guide-card-icon\">&#128100;<\/div><div><h5>Dependent vs. Independent Status<\/h5><p>Figure out your status<\/p><\/div><\/a>\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/how-to-avoid-common-fafsa-errors-that-impact-your-financial-aid\/\" class=\"guide-card\"><div class=\"guide-card-icon\">&#9888;&#65039;<\/div><div><h5>Avoid Common FAFSA Errors<\/h5><p>Don&#8217;t lose aid to mistakes<\/p><\/div><\/a>\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/what-are-federal-student-loans\/\" class=\"guide-card\"><div class=\"guide-card-icon\">&#128176;<\/div><div><h5>Federal Student Loans Explained<\/h5><p>Types, rates, and repayment<\/p><\/div><\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <!-- VIDEOS -->\n  <section class=\"content-section\" id=\"videos\">\n    <h2>FAFSA videos<\/h2>\n    <p>Prefer watching to reading? TUN TV has expert FAFSA walkthroughs:<\/p>\n    <div class=\"videos-grid\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/tv\/why-you-need-to-complete-the-fafsa\/\" class=\"video-card\"><div class=\"video-card-icon\">&#127909;<\/div><h5>Why You Need to Complete the FAFSA<\/h5><\/a>\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/tv\/8-steps-to-completing-the-fafsa-part-1\/\" class=\"video-card\"><div class=\"video-card-icon\">&#127909;<\/div><h5>8 Steps to Completing the FAFSA<\/h5><\/a>\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/tv\/top-5-things-to-know-about-the-fafsa-plus-a-mythbuster\/\" class=\"video-card\"><div class=\"video-card-icon\">&#127909;<\/div><h5>Top 5 FAFSA Facts + Myth Buster<\/h5><\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <!-- TOOLS & CONTACT -->\n  <section class=\"content-section\" id=\"tools\">\n    <h2>Tools &amp; contact<\/h2>\n\n    <div class=\"callout callout-gold\">\n      <h4>&#128200; FAFSA Calculator<\/h4>\n      <p>Estimate your financial aid before you apply using the free <a href=\"https:\/\/studentaid.gov\/aid-estimator\/\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"color:var(--tun-black); font-weight:700;\">Federal Student Aid Estimator<\/a>. It calculates your expected SAI based on income, assets, and family information.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"contact-box\">\n      <div class=\"contact-box-icon\">&#128222;<\/div>\n      <div>\n        <h4>Federal Student Aid Information Center<\/h4>\n        <p>Call <a href=\"tel:18004333243\">1-800-433-3243<\/a> (1-800-4-FED-AID) or visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/studentaid.gov\/help-center\/contact\" target=\"_blank\">FAFSA Contact Centers<\/a> for help.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<!-- AI CALLOUT -->\n<div class=\"ai-callout\">\n  <div class=\"ai-callout-card\">\n    <h3>Still have FAFSA questions?<\/h3>\n    <p>TUN AI can walk you through the FAFSA step by step, explain your financial aid options, and help you find scholarships.<\/p>\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/ai\/\" class=\"btn-white\">&#129302; Ask TUN AI for Help &rarr;<\/a>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<footer class=\"footer\">\n  <div class=\"footer-links\">\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/\">News<\/a>\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/scholarships\/\">Scholarships<\/a>\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/courses\/\">Courses<\/a>\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/jobs\/\">Careers<\/a>\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/ai\/\">TUN AI<\/a>\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/brand\/\">Discounts<\/a>\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/partnerships\/\">Partnerships<\/a>\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/jobs\/about\/\">About<\/a>\n  <\/div>\n  <p>&copy; 2026 TUN, Inc. All rights reserved. &nbsp;|&nbsp; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/we-use-cookies-to-make-our-website-experience-better\/\">Privacy<\/a><\/p>\n  <div class=\"footer-address\">TUN, Inc. &middot; 99 Wall Street, #2508 &middot; New York, NY 10005<\/div>\n<\/footer>\n\n<script>\n  function toggleFaq(el) {\n    el.parentElement.classList.toggle('open');\n  }\n  var observer = new IntersectionObserver(function(entries) {\n    entries.forEach(function(entry) { if (entry.isIntersecting) entry.target.classList.add('visible'); });\n  }, { threshold: 0.15 });\n  document.querySelectorAll('.fade-in').forEach(function(el) { observer.observe(el); });\n  window.addEventListener('scroll', function() {\n    document.getElementById('siteHeader').classList.toggle('scrolled', window.scrollY > 20);\n  });\n<\/script>\n\n<\/body>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Complete FAFSA Guide \u2014 TUN Resources &nbsp;\/&nbsp; FAFSA Guide The CompleteFAFSA Guide Everything you need to know to master the FAFSA, maximize your financial aid, and pay for college. 2025-26 Deadline June 30, 2026 2026-27 Opened October 1, 2025 Need Help? 1-800-433-3243 Start Your FAFSA Application &rarr; On this page 01 FAFSA Basics 02 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":61655,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"sales-pages","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[671,686],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-62174","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-financial-aid-ace-college","category-financial-aid-ace-high-school"],"aioseo_notices":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/women.png",200,143,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/women.png",200,143,false],"medium":["https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/women.png",200,143,false],"medium_large":["https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/women.png",200,143,false],"large":["https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/women.png",200,143,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/women.png",200,143,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/women.png",200,143,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"TUN Editorial Staff","author_link":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/author\/tun-editorial-staff\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"The Complete FAFSA Guide \u2014 TUN Resources &nbsp;\/&nbsp; FAFSA Guide The CompleteFAFSA Guide Everything you need to know to master the FAFSA, maximize your financial aid, and pay for college. 2025-26 Deadline June 30, 2026 2026-27 Opened October 1, 2025 Need Help? 1-800-433-3243 Start Your FAFSA Application &rarr; On this page 01 FAFSA Basics 02&hellip;","featured_media_src_url":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/women.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62174","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=62174"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62174\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":81406,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62174\/revisions\/81406"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/61655"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=62174"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=62174"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=62174"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}