The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the form that must be completed to apply and determine eligibility for federal, state, and college-specific financial aid, such as grants, loans and work-study programs. FAFSA worksheets are available at high schools, college financial aid offices, or local college access programs. FAFSAs may be filed online at studentaid.gov.

Students are now able to submit a FAFSA earlier. Students can now file a FAFSA starting October 1 of every year, rather than January 1. The earlier submission date is a permanent change, enabling students to complete and submit a FAFSA as early as Oct. 1 every year.

Completing the FAFSA is much easier than many students and parents may believe; preparation is key. Federal Student Aid Identification (FSA ID) accounts for the students and parents are required for signing the FAFSA electronically and may be created at studentaid.gov.