Pell Grants Archives

September 25, 2024

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The Top 10 reasons people don’t fill out the FAFSA.®

(And 10 good reasons you should.)

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If you’re going to college,
FAFSA® is your starting point for scholarships, Pell Grants, work-study and student loans.

FAFSA = Free Application for Federal Student Aid

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It doesn’t cost anything to fill out. It’s available for students of all incomes. And it could make a big difference in how much you pay for college.

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Why? Because FAFSA is what colleges – and other sources of scholarships and grants – use to decide how much to offer you.

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Yet for some reason, a surprising number of qualified students don’t fill it out.

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We’re going to explore those reasons, and explain why they shouldn’t stop you.

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Well, now you know how FAFSA can help you. And you can learn more about it on this website.

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The College Money Matters Response

I didn’t know about it.

Reason #1

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I heard it was
really complicated.

Reason #2

The College Money Matters Response

It used to be. But the FAFSA form has changed. Now it’s a lot easier, with a lot fewer questions.

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One of my parents is undocumented.

Reason #3

The College Money Matters Response

Even if you’re the child of an undocumented parent, you’re still eligible for FAFSA and its funding opportunities.

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Reason #4

The tax questions are really difficult to answer.

The College Money Matters Response

That was true before, too. But now you or your family’s tax information is automatically imported into your FAFSA application.

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Reason #5

My family situation is too complicated.

The College Money Matters Response

The new FAFSA now makes it clear how to enter the income of a parent, step-parent or guardian.

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Reason #6

I didn’t know you had to fill it out every year.

The College Money Matters Response

Remember: You need to submit the FAFSA for each year you’ll need financial aid for college.

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Reason #7

I couldn’t tell which year I should enter.

The College Money Matters Response

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Reason #8

I didn’t qualify for a Pell Grant last year.

The College Money Matters Response

Pell Grant income requirements change every year, and so can your family income, so you might qualify this year.

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Reason #9

My family’s income is too high for me to get financial aid.

The College Money Matters Response

Whether your family is rich, poor, or somewhere in between, you can STILL get low cost government loans for college. But you have to submit your FAFSA online first.

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Reason #10

I heard last year’s FAFSA was really messed up.

The College Money Matters Response

A new FAFSA was introduced last year and it did have some big issues. Many have been resolved and this year’s process is being extensively tested before it’s launched.

Now that you have 10 good reasons to fill out the FAFSA, here are two important things to keep in mind.

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1. Fill out the FAFSA early – as close as you can to December 1st of this year.

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Why early? Because some financial aid opportunities are awarded on a “first come, first served” basis – and the funds can run out.

Check studentaid.gov for the most current deadline dates.

2. Fill out the FAFSA each year you’re in college.

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Just because you’re no longer a freshman doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep applying for scholarships, Pell Grants and loans.

You’ll find the information you need right here

Back to the beginning

Want to learn more about FAFSA®?
You’ll find the information you need right here.

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Applying To College

A brief guide to understanding financial aid

Paying For College

Before You Decide

Student Stories

Parents & Guardians

“My financial aid offers included both scholarships and loans.”

The Top 10 reasons people don’t fill out the FAFSA.®