FAFSA application 2023

  1. What is Financial Aid for College?
  2. FAFSA® 2023: How to Apply for Financial Aid

FAFSA®: Your first step to getting financial aid

Completing and submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is the single most important thing you can do to get financial aid for college or graduate school.

FAFSA application 2023

FAFSA application 2023

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What is the FAFSA®?

The FAFSA® is a free online application for financial aid eligibility for college. It’s used by schools to put together your federal student aid package for one year of college. This package can include grants for college, work-study, federal student loans, and even state and school financial aid.

While financial aid is not the same as student loans, you must first complete the FAFSA® form to apply for a federal student loan. Completing the FAFSA® online is convenient—and it can make your financial aid search easier.

Grad students can also apply for aid with the FAFSA. Learn more about graduate financial aid.

Watch HACKED to follow Player One on their mission to pay for college, and get plenty of tips, tricks, and tools to help you file your FAFSA®.

FAFSA application 2023

Once you’re ready to begin the FAFSA®, keep these tips in mind:

  • Submit your FAFSA as soon as possible. Federal student aid applications can be submitted starting October 1 for the following school year (for example, starting October 1, 2022 for the 2023-2024 school year). Federal financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so know your deadlines and apply as early as you can to maximize your financial aid.
  • Think local. College and state financial aid application deadlines vary by state. Check your state’s financial aid deadlines.
  • Apply for the FAFSA annually. You need to fill out the FAFSA each year that you are—or plan to be—a student.

Complete the FAFSA® like a pro

Check out Nitro’s 2022-23 step-by-step FAFSA® guide to help you understand each FAFSA® question and provide accurate answers.

Frequently asked questions about the FAFSA® application

Debunking financial aid myths

Myth: My family’s income is too high to qualify for federal financial aid.

Fact: Student and family income isn’t the only factor that the government uses to decide if a student qualifies for federal financial aid. The only way to know for sure if you’ll qualify is to fill out the FAFSA®.2

Myth: My family has money saved for college so we won’t get any federal financial aid.

Fact: Savings might not be a major factor when a school decides if a student qualifies for Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans. There are allowances for savings and assets.3

Myth: My sibling wasn’t eligible for much federal financial aid last year, so I won’t be eligible when I enter college.

Fact: Actually, the number of family members in college might have a favorable impact on your financial aid eligibility.4

Myth: I’m only attending college part-time, so I won’t be eligible for federal financial aid.

Fact: Financial aid is available for part-time students. Talk to the financial aid offices of the colleges you’re interested in attending about aid for part-time students.5

From our Blog

When should I fill out FAFSA for fall of 2023?

The FAFSA form must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Central time (CT) on June 30, 2023. Any corrections or updates must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on Sept. 9, 2023.

When should I fill out my FAFSA for 2023

For federal aid, submit your application as early as possible, but no earlier than October 1, 2022. We must receive your application no later than June 30, 2024. Your college must have your correct, complete information by your last day of enrollment in the 2023-2024 school year.

What FAFSA form is used for fall 2023?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form you fill out should correspond with the school year you're planning to seek aid for. For example, if you're applying for financial aid for the 2023‒24 school year, fill out the 2023‒24 FAFSA form.

What months does FAFSA 2023/24 cover?

The beginning of the 2023–24 FASFA® cycle was Oct. 1, 2022. The application is available until June 30, 2024—but be sure to remind your students that some funds are limited, so it's a good idea to apply as soon as possible.