FAFSA

FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It's a free form that allows students to apply for federal student aid, which can include grants, loans, and work-study. The aid can help pay for college, career or trade school, tuition, fees, housing, food, books, supplies, transportation, computers, and dependent care. 

To apply for federal student aid, students must complete the FAFSA on time and meet basic eligibility requirements, such as financial need. When filling out the form, students and parents will need to disclose income and indicate whether they or their dependents have received benefits from certain federal programs. Applicants will also need to sign the form, either digitally or by hand. 

States and colleges may also use FAFSA information to determine eligibility for their own financial aid packages, such as grants, scholarships, and loans.