Fill out the FAFSA early
to get the most aid possible.

Most types of financial aid require the student to first fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility. This includes all federal aid including grants and scholarships and some state and local programs as well.

Student aid must be applied for in the same calendar year it will be used. The Department of Education recommends that the FAFSA be filled out as soon after January 1 as possible. High school seniors should fill out the FAFSA in January of their senior year to obtain funds for the fall semester of college. The very last day to file an application for funds for the Fall Semester is June 30 of the same calendar year.

The FAFSA uses your most recent year's income information to calculate your family's expected contribution (get an estimate of your family's contribution here) and determine your eligibility for aid. Therefore, you cannot fill out the official form prior to January 1. However, it is not necessary to wait until you have filed your taxes. You can apply and estimate your income and tax information. Later, you will make corrections if your estimated income or tax information was not accurate.

If you want to get an idea of where you stand prior to January 1 of your senior year, you can use the FAFSA4Caster. You can enter your most current year's information and later transfer it to the full FAFSA form and make updates when the time comes.

Most states have different deadlines from the federal deadlines. Some are as early as February and some are much later. The State of Oklahoma recommends that applications be received by the U.S. Department of Education by April 15 for best consideration.