3 FAFSA secrets to help you get the most financial aid

Chances are, if you are watching this, you’ve heard of the FAFSA before. Short for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, the FAFSA helps colleges to determine eligibility for Federal and State financial aid. In this video, I’m going to share 3 secrets to help your student get the most from their FAFSA scholarship.
00:00 Intro
00:52 FAFSA
02:15 Apply early
05:23 Always fill out FAFSA
07:36 Apply yearly
FAFSA playlist: • FAFSA
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P.S. International Students - This information is meant for US citizens and/or residents in the United States. While many of the tips will be helpful for you (i.e. how to write a well-written essay), we are not specialized in international student scholarships.

[@craigwilcox2264]

I was a 32-year-old homeless US Army veteran, and they wanted my parent's income information in graduate school. I'd never been asked for that at my undergraduate school. It reduced my student aide so severely that I could never afford housing and lived in my car through my entire MS degree.

[@katherinecaba7984]

😢

[@BenWorthington438]

No GI bill? I wonder why.

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

That's crazy! I've never heard of that! Kudos to you for getting through it. Thatt is impressive.

[@kimvisser2766]

Gosh I wish I had found your video years ago! So so helpful!

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

Glad it was helpful!

[@meganharrison1407]

I have probably somewhat of a unique question. I am getting ready to fill out the FASFA with my daughter who is a senior. Our family just recently finalized a divorce. My ex spouse earns a three figure income, but is not able to contribute in any way to my daughters schooling. I am the parent of primary residence, and with my first year teaching income, she would probably qualify for a lot of aid. How are we able to show that my ex spouse is unable to contribute due to massive amounts of debt and fraudulent practices. The government is about to start garnishing his wages for his student loans that have not been paid back. I am very concerned that this is going to hurt my daughter chances at funding her own education!

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

You'll have to submit the FAFSA using the most correct information that it's asking for - then you'll want to follow up with her financial aid office and file an appeal to have her financial aid based on your current situation.

[@lorenaperez9807]

My daughter was accepted in UCLA, USC , Berkeley , my husband and I we made 140k ( not her dad ) FAFSA told her us not elegible for any help it breaks my ❤ see her crying

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

FAFSA only awards federal based aid. Schools can provide additional state and school based aid. You won't really know the final financial picture until receiving the financial aid award letter.

[@Stingrey1977]

This system is sooo bad! Kill the dreams with of those who really want to go to college. Sad

[@idkmaybe5148]

140????? That’s a lot

[@christinaoverstreet2833]

​@@idkmaybe5148 maybe in some other states, but not in California

[@idkmaybe5148]

@@christinaoverstreet2833 oh true, cali is run by liberals, that’s why :/

[@candacep778]

Great video. You do such good work! Can you give an example of a college that provides “Gap” funding? I’d love to see if I can direct my kids!

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

It can be called different things at different schools, but here is an example: www.albemarle.edu/costs-paying-for-college/types-of-aid/foundation-scholarships/gift-aid-program-scholarship/

[@ec5318]

Is gap funding the same as merit scholarship? Thanks.

[@markharper3259]

Hello. I am a pastor and I am given a housing allowance and as a result, I have a lower salary. Is there anything I need to know in entering these items into my daughter's FASA? Thanks for your help.

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

The housing allowance should be entered as untaxed income in the parent's section of the FAFSA application. It will be considered as income for FAFSA purposes.

[@berniceginyard7339]

I retired in Oct of 2022 and my husband was already retired. We both have pension would this change our fafas form?

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

Pension income is reported on FAFSA via your tax return. If it shows up as income in your tax return, it will be considered for FAFSA purposes.

[@mb63gts66]

Glad to have found you, wish we would have years ago. Do you have any videos on how current college students can apply for scholarships? Both of my kids received scholarships, however, they went to a local CC and will be graduating with their AA degrees soon. We're looking for info on how to fund their BA pursuits and ensure if the application process works any differently than the process we followed while they were still in HS as well as tips/tricks to get funding.

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

This article may be helpful: thescholarshipsystem.com/blog-for-students-families/how-to-pay-for-college-as-a-transfer-student/

[@AnitaHanjob69758]

Something I learned with the fafsa system is that I have to keep appealing. Appeal Appeal Appeal For 2023/2024 application FAFSA used my w2 from my active military duty in 2021. I was honorably discharged in 2023 and remained unemployed because I committed myself to college full time. Along with the GI bill. FAFSA said I made too much money with an annual salary of 28k in the marine corps (yes you heard that right, 28k is apparently too much money for FAFSA) and received 0$ for 2023/2024 aid, bummer . I did appeal and appeal providing my DD214 and termination paperwork which lowered my EFC. This year of 2024/2025 I’m going to get the full maximum student aid package after months of appealing to the Financial aid office. They made this a pain in the ass because of the EFC system they have in play.

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

YES! That is great advice.

[@loriegrove2531]

I have an account as a parent for my daughter and she has a separate log in account. Are they the same or should we just use hers?

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

You will need two FAFSA accounts. One for the student and another for the parent.

[@aperkins07]

I haven't seen fafsa ask for income, but only student assets which seems backwards to me. It would reward irresponsible financial behaviors that way

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

FAFSA uses the income information from the tax return that was imported, so it doesn't have any income questions.

[@analyortiz8907]

Do I need to have really low financial income in order to qualify?

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

Federal awards do have income limits to qualify. However, schools have ultimate say on other awards they can issue out. But they need FAFSA information to determine that.

[@ariabook6786]

My daughter live with her dad full time he taking care of her , her dad and me never married is her Fafsa application she should put my tax information? Thank you .

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

Your daughter's dad would be the parent to file FAFSA.

[@user-wc1ei7rt8v]

I have a hard of hearing student going into her senior year of college. Do you have any scholarships available for students with disabilities? So far we have received no help for the first 3 years. We didn't realize there was resources like this as her high school was not the best. Thank you

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

This article may help: thescholarshipsystem.com/blog-for-students-families/22-scholarships-for-students-with-learning-disabilities/

[@shalomshalom1000]

Thank you for the information 😊

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

My pleasure 😊

[@woodslionell83]

If you're on SSI file for financial aid latradetrch college

[@HoudaBeautyOfficielle]

thank you for the video, I loved it very much, and I want to know if a green card holder can fill out FAFSA? he's a person who just arrived in the US, he never filled out taxes, and already has a master's degree in chemistry in his home country, but wants to study MLT in a community college full-time. he's living with his cousin and has one income of about $2000 per month. so is he eligible and will he be able to get a grant to cover his studies??

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

Yes a green card holder qualifies for FAFSA-federal funding. However, he may not qualify for state grants since he may not fulfill the state residency requirements yet. He could contact the community college's financial aid office for more guidance.

[@JohnUrban-ry1fx]

I will be receiving benefits from the Post 9-11 GI Bill to attend TUJ (Temple University Japan)in Tokyo in the Fall of 2024 and Kyoto in the Spring of 2025 . Benefits do not start until 1 Oct 2024. I received permission to live in an apartment In Tokyo because I am an older student but I must share that I received a small scholarship of 100,000 Y ($650) to transfer the second semester to Kyoto Campus . This is a huge opportunity to expand my educational experience as I study Communications in a very special setting and in brand new Facilities and at a new campus with different classes and unique cultural opportunities. I thought the scholarship would be able to cover other expenses but it is only for tuition. The problem is that I must maintain my apartment in Tokyo (ITS extremely hard to get an apartment) and the way the Bill works is it reduces the amount that's paid for tuition to allow for the scholarship to cover it first. My question is how will FAFSA benefit a Post 9-11 GI Bill veteran or how can I avoid this. I'm also one of the unlucky ones who paid $1200 into the Montgomery GI Bill. I forfeited this to use the Post 9-11 GI Bill .

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

FAFSA will calculate if you qualify for any federal aid such as Pell grants or subsidized student loans. So it seems that even if you do qualify for such aid, it wouldn't change your GI Bill issue any. The only way to possibly avoid this, is to apply for scholarships that awarded directly to students, but unfortunately, there are not many of those kinds of scholarships, since most are sent directly to the school.

[@megancove7922]

I am an US citizen and file taxes but by husband is a non residential alien? Do we have to share his income/assetts?

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

Yes. FAFSA looks at married parent's financial information, regardless of tax filing status or immigration status. (Nonresident aliens residing/working in the US should be filing taxes with an ITIN#.)

[@megancove7922]

my husband doesnt earn any money in US tho? only in a foreign country. @@TheScholarshipSystem

[@ijeomakalu8924]

How can I add my spouse’s information after fafsa form is submitted

[@iveyd8327]

If father and mother are divorced and father refuses to pay for any college - mother is residential parent who child lives with - is there any way to show this circumstance in FAFSA or is al this something to be appealed with individual school? Thank you for this great video. It’s very informative and helpful!

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

The parent who provides the most financial support will be the parent reporting on FAFSA. Additional financial aid appeal can be done with the school directly, after the financial aid award letter is received.

[@epicmomstravel]

exactly what I was wondering as well! thank you!

[@JUDGEMENTDAY66]

What about aged part time workers or jobless people trying to enhance their professional expertise by going into professional certification courses from universities of 3 /6/12 months courses wich run from $2500-$8000 and education institutes do not have grants or loans for thes.

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

If these programs don't accept FAFSA applications, that means they don't receive or qualify for federal funding. Some state, have state funding available for worker training programs. Check with the Employment Security or Development office.

[@stephaniecook7080]

If a parent has to file for bankruptcy does that impact the child’s FAFSA outcome.

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

It shouldn't. FAFSA takes into account parents' income and assets and student's income and assets. Debt and credit history aren't taken into account.

[@lesliemcwhirter4730]

When my child attends graduate school, do we file the FAFSA?

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

Yes - but they will mostly be eligible for just student loans.

[@watchandlearn23]

I change my change job into lower salary this year 2024.. how can I show that my income is lower now this year 2024.. thank you to your video I learned. Angelo

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

You will have to appeal to each school and let them know of your change.

[@ndayembidi6781]

What about if you are online student. Can you still apply for this kind of financial aid?

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

If your online school is a Title IV school, that means it accepts the FAFSA. You can check if your school participates here: fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/library/resource-type/Federal%20School%20Code%20Lists

[@ndayembidi6781]

@@TheScholarshipSystem thanks

[@abelalfaro5101]

Can we apply now, but what are the chances to get any help from the government for the 2024 -2025 school year?

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

Very high. This year FAFSA processing has been delayed. So many schools are just receiving student information. Most school's Financial Aid Award Letters have not been sent out yet.

[@leslietaylor7968]

my husband is older and receives Social Security check, daughter has also been getting money from social security. does that need to be listed or will that automatically come up on the 2022 taxes?

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

Most untaxed items have been removed from the FAFSA application. If Social Security is taxable and/or appears in your tax return, that will be reported to FAFSA since all tax return data will be imported and considered for FAFSA purposes.

[@shelissasmith6485]

Do you have to create an FSA ID account before filing out FAFSA?

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

Yes. Both student and parent need a FSA ID.

[@abelalfaro5101]

Good evening, Our son graduated in 2020 during the PANDEMIC. He graduated with 3.2 GPA and did not continue with the university. Now, he wants to continue with his education. Now, it is April 16 2024, should we wait until October to apply for FATSA for 2025 - 2026 fall year? He wants to start with a community college 2 years and university. What do you suggest? Thank you

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

It's still not too late to apply for the 2024-2025 school year. Many community colleges accept FAFSA until June or so! Contact the school's financial aid office for deadline information just to make sure.

[@taraconrad510]

My daughter's SAI/EFC is said to be $4890. In Michigan we have the Michigan Achievement Scholarship if your EFC is

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

You might check with your school's financial aid office to ensure that they received your student's FAFSA information. Some schools had issues importing data with all of the changes that were done to FAFSA this year.

[@danaclark1237]

Please explain where I can find more info on the Gap scholarships you mentioned.

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

You would want to contact the financial aid department at the college(s) you are looking at. Not all colleges offer gap scholarships (and it might be called something different at different schools) but it is always worth looking into.

[@anastasiaclaude6217]

Hey I applied and received a response from my school, but when I applied I didn’t think I’d live on campus. How do I change that? Or is that even possible to revise?

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

You will have to contact your school's financial aid office to see if they want you to update FAFSA or if the school can update it themselves.

[@delmacorona2615]

Great video!! I am separated, but not legally divorced, filing separate, we live in two different states. Does my senior father need to file fafsa as a contributor?

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

For students whose parents are divorced or separated, the Custodial Parent on FAFSA will be the parent who provides the most financial support.

[@georgebaileysgal5718]

Wow- Thank you for this video. I am new to all of this. Trying to help my daughter. Just learned that FAFSA form for the Fall 2024 year is not yet avail, but should be coming out SOON, sometime in Dec. Do you concur? Also, we are self employed, so it makes things just a touch more difficult. Any tips there? Thank you so much! So glad I found this video. Now to check out your vids on scholarships and everything else.... TY

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

We're glad you found us! FAFSA will be available by 12/31/23. Since you are a small business owner, you may need to appeal to the schools individually once financial aid award letters are sent out.

[@punampatil8260]

Hii I am unable to access 2023-24 fafsa form. whenever, i am trying to access form, the website shows that the form is not available we are working on the issue. do you have any idea? what's going on with website and why i am not able to access the form?

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

FAFSA has been undergoing a lot of maintenance and updates because of the 2024-2025 changes. If you still have issues, you may consider contacting your school to see if they have additional guidance or an alternative application form.

[@StephanieFrey-db3yb]

This is my second year applying to FAFSA, (my kids are a sophomore and Junior transfer). This year I don't have access to update my total cash, savings and checking account, current net worth or my ex husbands information. Is this part of the new system? Also, my last name is spelled wrong and when I go to correct it it states this action will temporarily disable my application. Thank you for your help.

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

Corrections will be made available later in April. Some families don't need to report assets if their income is under a certain amount.

[@jessielynnbenton]

I qualified for the max amount of fasfa but the school only allowed me to accept 2270 and then made me take the test in loans even though the fasfa would have almost fully covered the tuition they also wouldn’t let me take the full amount of loans to have money to live on is there anything I can do

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

You might want to contact your school's financial aid office to find out why there is a difference from FAFSA award amounts vs what the school offered you. You may want to appeal the offer and explain your situation.

[@daniraaleman3387]

I want my daughter to change it to independent because she is 18 now but she doesn’t have a job so if will affected her

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

It is not easy for an 18 year old student to be independent for FAFSA purposes. Here is more information. studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out/dependency

[@ayouboubari8328]

I want apply for semster january and i want to know when i can apply for fafsa and also i have other question i live at state and i want to apply for college at other state is problem.for fafsa thanks

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

You can select up to 20 schools to send FAFSA information, regardless of where you live. However, some states prefer that you list your in-state school first to be eligible for state aid.

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

For a January start date you should file FAFSA now since many schools have already processed aid for the 2024-2025 school year. Depending on the school, it may be too late for priority funding. Check with the school's financial aid office for deadline dates.

[@user-sl4ql7qu7f]

I have twins going to separate schools. Is there any help or relief for Mia's parent with twins?

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

Unfortunately, the new FAFSA does not consider multiple children in college. The Student Aid Index is for each individual child. However, an appeal can be done at the school level, and colleges can take that into consideration so that they consider awarding more aid.

[@jamekathomas5120]

My daughter has a very specific in her type of school and major. She our scholarship search be as specific?

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

You can make it specific but also consider searching for scholarships based on other factors - location, hobbies, sports, etc.

[@libertyrodriguez1355]

Does it matter where you live in order to get aid.

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

US citizens and US residents qualify to apply for FAFSA, regardless of where they live. However, some states have additional criteria to qualify for state-based aid.

[@joyss1042]

Can my cousin living in California be the legal guardian so my daughter can apply in financial aid in California?

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

Students need to prove residency to qualify for in-state financial aid.

[@camilaamorim701]

Hi, I have green card but I don`t have tax record in US yet. I just move in to US a month ago. Can I apply for FAFSA?

[@jenniffermontoya8042]

Same question here. Did you get it ?

[@tonyjordan8583]

Hi….im applying for fafsa soon but didn’t file for some reason my 2021 tax returns. What do I do???? Do I have to file for fafsa? I have to mail in the returns which is gonna put me past my deadline

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

For 2024-2025 academic year, FAFSA requires 2022 taxes. Not 2021. So as long as 2022 taxes are done, you should be fine.

[@user-zm6yi2bw7u]

Hello, I haven't filed my 2022 tax return . I have to paper file now but my income has decreased significantly. What should I do

[@tiffanyziegler]

Is there a way to get grant for a tech school ?

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

As long as a tech school is accredited and they are not a for-profit school, they may qualify for FAFSA. Check with the school to see if they accept the FAFSA application.

[@gabriellim8522]

If a rental property is under an LLC, does it have to be listed as an asset?

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

If you are a member/owner of the LLC, yes.

[@kerele4843]

So just to clarify, do i apply for fafsa every year i’m in college?

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

yes.

[@fame2394]

Does this work for high school?

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

Yes. For HS seniors attending college the following year.

[@amarakanneh3840]

Are foreign students from Africa qualified for this process?

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

No. FAFSA is for US residents and citizens.

[@haleighhowland]

Did I hear that correctly October of 2023 the application for 2024 will open?

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

At the time of recording, the filing start date was October. However, the new FAFSA filing date is December 2023 for the 2024-2025 academic year.

[@estebancheca1882]

My daughter is a US Citizen (she lives in the US). My wife and I aren’t US Citizens (we don’t live in the US). She isn’t considered “Independent “ but, since we don’t live in the US, as we understand, she doesn’t qualify for many Financial Aid or Loans. Any suggestions on resources she can look to see her chances to be awarded Financial Aid or Loans?. We don’t have the resources to pay for all her financial needs to go through a Public University.

[@estherwanjiru5297]

How is the financial information important

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

Financial information is used by colleges to award financial aid to pay for college.

[@jay5729]

Can you fill out FAFSA earlier? We would like to start applying for scholarships this Summer and many require FAFSA forms.

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

FAFSA is filled out fall of senior year of high school and for every year in college. Unfortunately, FAFSA is not for other grade levels in HS.

[@user-dx6kp9fs5p]

Do we need to complete CSS if none of the scholo s applied to look at it?

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

No. Only certain schools require the CSS profile. You can see which schools require it here: profile.collegeboard.org/profile/ppi/participatingInstitutions.aspx

[@kclark0104]

Should you report more adults in household like my grandpa

[@TheScholarshipSystem]

Yes. Everyone in the household should be reported even though they may not be listed in the tax return.

[@kclark0104]

@@TheScholarshipSystem Will, they give you more money the more people, or that doesnt matter.