FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The 2025–26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now open for students and families to complete.

The first step in completing the FAFSA is creating an FSA ID, so to create yours, visit fsaid.ed.gov. After creating your FSA ID, you can start filling out the FAFSA at fafsa.ed.gov. Visit your College and Career Center for help with filling out and submitting your FAFSA.

Need general help with the FAFSA? Fill out our general FAFSA help form, and a CACC advisor will reach out to help you.

Upcoming 2024–25 FAFSA Events

School Events

If you are not able to attend, you can fill out the help form for individual assistance.

Scholarships

While you are filling out the FAFSA, you can start applying for scholarships as well!

To find scholarships, please visit our MPS Scholarship page.

Michelle Obama Wants You to Fill Out the FAFSA!

The FAFSA or Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the form filled out by students to gain access to federal grants and loans and possible college/university grants and scholarships. This is the first step in affordable college for all students. Here are a few facts about FAFSA and links to help you get started on the road to receiving financial aid.

• To fill out the FAFSA and successfully submit it, you will need the following:
  • Your Social Security Number
  • Your Green Card (if you are not a U.S. citizen — you be required to provide a copy of your Green Card to the college upon acceptance as proof of permanent residency)
  • Your federal income tax returns, W-2s, and other records of money earned (Note: You will be able to transfer your federal tax return information into your FAFSA.)
  • Bank statements and records of investments (if applicable)
  • Records of untaxed income (if applicable)
  • An FSA ID to sign electronically (student and parents will need one)
• You must fill out a FAFSA every year that you are in school. It is not a one-time form that you fill out only your first year of college. 
• A student needs a Social Security Number to fill out the FAFSA; however, a student's parents do not need one for the student to fill out the FAFSA.
• After you submit your FAFSA, all other communication about your financial aid will come from the schools you sent the FAFSA to.

FAFSA Verification 

Your FAFSA may be flagged and put into a process called verification. This is a completely normal process that happens to students every year. Below are links to help you through the process of verification. 

Federal Student Aid Next Steps

FAFSA Verification: What to Do If You're Selected

FinAid's Guide to Verification