Filling-out the FAFSA:
a very important first step in getting financial help

You need to fill-out the FAFSA in order to know whether you qualify for a student grant or a loan. Your qualification also depends on your or your family's financial situation. However, there are some loans that are not based on need but are based on the applicants' credit history.

Whatever your situation, remember to always apply for the FAFSA. I provided a brief description (in the table) of the government grants for students like you. In general, the process goes like this:

If	Then
you qualify for the Federal Pell Grant	your tuition fees may be covered by the grant but you might need additional money for other expenses
you are not eligible for the Pell Grant	you may need to get a need-based subsidized student loan which can either be a Stafford or Perkins loan
you already qualify for subsidized loan but need more money	you may apply for an unsubsidized Stafford student loan
you are in need of additional financial help	you may apply for an Unsubsidized Stafford loan
you are a 'dependent'	your parents may apply for a PLUS (Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students) loan

For a description of each student loan listen in the table, please go to the official Federal Student Aid web site . Make sure to read the terms and conditions for each loan to see which one is right for your situation.

If you have questions about applying for the FAFSA, the best starting point is to go to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid web site. Be sure to check under their special announcement section to see if you are eligible for new grant programs based on your financial need and academic excellency.

Most of your questions may be answered by reading their FAQ and by doing the step-by-step process found on their home page. This application process can be very tedious and frustrating. However, if you still need extra help after reading through the official FAFSA web site, read my FAFSA advice section before you start filling-out the application form.

Get the most out of your Federal Student Aid

There are ways to either qualify for more money or make extra money from your financial aid.

Qualify for more money

Make extra money from your financial aid

Save money for the future

Student Loan Consolidation

Perhaps you may not encounter this problem until you graduate or possibly during your second or third year in college. This decision is important because you might save money on your future monthly payments or receive an interest rate reduction for all of your student loans.

But, this topic is a little complex so, you may want to talk to someone from direct loan servicing or some other private company such as the Student Loan Network. Working with a private company is especially helpful if you have private loans in addition to your student loans. If you want to see how loan consolidation can benefit you, check out my detailed example from when I consolidated my federal loans.

If you are still having trouble with your financial aid or you have any suggestions for other students. Please click on this contact me link and fill out the form for a quick response.

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