Top Reasons to Complete the FAFSA

Notwithstanding last year’s FAFSA breakdown, every student should complete the FAFSA.

You’ve probably read, or at least heard, about the almost total breakdown of the 2024-25 FAFSA application process. Don’t allow past events or any other reason to deter you from submitting your completed FAFSA application for 2025-26.

Many of the issues from the last cycle have been resolved. The Department of Education (ED) conducted extensive beta testing, which has resulted in an improved experience for users for the 2025-26 FAFSA.

The FAFSA is your gateway to attending a 2-year or 4-year college, or trade school with little or no debt.

Although the name Federal Application for Federal Student Aid implies that it relates only to funds from the federal government, that is not the case.

The FAFSA opens the “vault” doors to state, institutional aid, and private scholarships. As the saying goes, don’t leave money on the table. Here are they key reasons to complete the FAFSA.

Reason #1- You Won’t Know Until You Submit

Don’t assume your parents make too much money, especially if that assumption is based on the experience of an older sibling.

The 2024-25 FAFSA and all that follow are based on a new aid calculation formula. Some college students who had never received a Pell Grant qualified under the new formula, and others saw their aid reduced.

The “FAFSA 2024-25 Rundown” post outlines the most critical changes.

Reason #2 State Aid

To receive state-based financial aid for attending a college or university in your home state, you must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Even if you don’t qualify for a federal Pell Grant, you may receive money from your home state.

Reason #3 – Institutional Aid

Your impressive high school achievements, including strong academics and community service, won’t secure a scholarship from your desired university unless you submit a completed FAFSA application.

Reason #4 – Private Money

Many national, state, and local organizations provide scholarships to students to assist with tuition costs. It is not uncommon for these organizations to require the FAFSA.

Reason # – Not Just for 4-year Schools

Federal, state, and private scholarships can frequently be used for community college and in some cases trade school.

NOTE: In addition to the FAFSA, many schools and some private scholarships also require students to submit the CSS Profile.

Fewer Questions – Less Time

The new FAFSA takes considerably less time to complete than the previous application. The new cycle is expected to have fewer bugs and hiccups than last year’s untested, glitch-riddled form.

You owe it to yourself and future success to learn what financial aid is available to you.

Knowledge is power – seize yours.