FAFSA First. FAFSA Now.

The FAFSA is the first step to getting financial aid

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the only way to get federal, state, and institutional aid for college or training—including grants, scholarships, work study, and loans.

Ready to apply?

Start your FAFSA application now

Need help with your FAFSA application? VSAC can help in 3 ways!

  1. At a Financial Aid Forms Workshop in your area.
  2. In the VSAC Resource Center at FAFSA Fridays.
  3. Call us toll-free at 833-802-8722.

Why the FAFSA?

Every year, millions of dollars in financial aid goes unused because students simply don't complete the FAFSA form.

Bernie wants you to FAFSA Now

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“As tuition costs continue to skyrocket, it is more important than ever to know what help is available to pay for college. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid—commonly known as the FAFSA—is the key to securing financial aid,” Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) said. “Filling out the FAFSA can open doors to federal, state and college-specific financial aid.”

  • It's free. There is never a cost to complete the form at fafsa.gov.
  • You could get a $1,000 FAFSA scholarship. If you fill out the FAFSA before Nov. 30, nine Vermont colleges have an extra incentive—an additional $1,000 FAFSA scholarship drawing when you apply to one of these schools: Bennington College, Castleton University, Community College of Vermont, Northern Vermont University, Saint Michael's College, Southern Vermont College, Sterling College, University of Vermont, or Vermont Technical College.
  • No FAFSA = No money. Not completing the FAFSA might mean you will overpay for college or training. Or think that you can't afford to go.

Most people take less than 25 minutes to complete the form. And, this year, the FAFSA has gone mobile! Yep, there's an app. Get started.

You won't know until you fill out the FAFSA! You may be surprised to learn what aid may be available for you.

The FAFSA is the first step to being considered for:

READY TO START?

If you're ready to apply for financial aid, start your FAFSA today.

Apply Now >

Here are some tips that will help set you up for success with the FAFSA:

  • Start early: Each October, the FAFSA is made available for the following school year. Many colleges—and VSAC’s Vermont Grant Program—make financial aid decisions on a first come, first-served basis. Submit your application as early as possible to make sure you get the most aid you can. 
  • Gather your documents ahead of time: Be prepared so you can move quickly through the form once you start. To fill out the FAFSA, you’ll need to provide information about your family’s financial situation. Get a list of what you'll need to get started
  • Create an FSA ID: The FSA ID is a username and password that is used to sign the FAFSA (and other legally binding documents) electronically and to log in to certain US Department of Education websites. The student—and the student’s parent—will each need their own FSA ID. To learn more about the FSA ID—or to create one—visit fsaid.ed.gov.
  • Make sure you’re on the right site: You can apply for the FAFSA at fafsa.ed.gov. You should never pay to submit the FAFSA. It’s all free. Be sure the site you are using ends in .gov and not .com.
  • Check your deadlines: Schools each have their own deadlines. Vermont grants are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For non-Vermonters, state deadlines are available at fafsa.ed.gov. Be sure to check with the colleges and career schools you’re applying to for their FAFSA deadlines.
  • Don’t be afraid to get help: There are many FAFSA resources available right here on the VSAC website—including more tips for getting started, as well as helpful videos. Tips are also available as you go through the application.
  • Know your colleges: While completing the FAFSA, you must list at least 1 college to receive your information. To be considered for a Vermont grant, be sure to list your first-choice colleges from any state in the first 3 positions. You may update your choices later to receive aid at a different school. 
  • Get ready to apply for the Vermont grant: Once you've submitted your FAFSA, it's time to apply for the Vermont grant. It’s easy.  At the end of the FAFSA you’ll see a link to complete the Vermont Grant Application. Follow the link for application instructions.

The information you provide on your FAFSA will help to decide how much you'll be expected to pay for college or career school—and how much financial aid you may receive.

READY TO START?

If you're ready to apply for financial aid, start your FAFSA today.

Apply Now >