The FAFSA is a free form that students fill out to apply for federal financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. It’s managed by the U.S. Department of Education, which awards over $150 billion in student aid each year.

Your FAFSA helps determine if you qualify for:

  • Grants (which don’t need to be repaid)
  • Loans (which you do repay)
  • Work-study jobs (part-time work to earn money for school)

To get started, visit fafsa.gov.

For details on deadlines and how to apply, go to studentaid.gov.