Advertiser Disclosure
A step-by-step walkthrough of the 2024-25 FAFSA
Need help with your FAFSA®? Our guide takes you through all the FAFSA® questions to help you maximize your financial aid for college.
By Derick Rodriguez, Associate Editor
Edited by Yerain Abreu, M.S.
Learn more about our editorial standards
By Derick Rodriguez, Associate Editor
Edited by Yerain Abreu, M.S.
Learn more about our editorial standards
What is the FAFSA?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as the FAFSA form, is the application that students complete each year to receive student aid for college or career school. If you want to receive financial aid, it's important that you fill out the FAFSA form too. The information you provide will be used to determine your eligibility for federal student aid, and many states will use your information to determine eligibility for state financial aid. This financial aid may include grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and student loans.
Why is the FAFSA important?
Completing the FAFSA® (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is essential in getting financial help for education, including federal, state, and institutional aid. Suppose your goal is to maximize the amount of free money you receive and minimize your out-of-pocket expenses for education. In that case, it's essential to submit the FAFSA®. In fact, almost everyone who files the FAFSA® is eligible for some form of aid.
Who should complete the FAFSA?
All students, from any financial circumstance, looking to be considered for financial aid programs. These programs cover grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans at the federal, state, and school levels.
How long will it take to finish the FAFSA?
The majority of people complete the FAFSA in under one hour, including assembling any required financial information and personal documents.
Great for students who:
Verified username and password (FSA ID)
Parent or spouse contributor name, Social Security number, email, and birth date
Possibly information about your income and assets
What is the FAFSA used for?
Money awarded from FAFSA can be used to cover any education-related expenses. Some examples of what you should and shouldn't spend your student loan money on include:
Do’s
Tuition and fees
Housing and utilities
Meals and groceries
A personal computer
Transportation to and from school
School supplies
Don’ts
Vacation travel
Clothes
Entertainment
Alcohol
Investing
Business expenses
A down payment on a home
How much aid will I get from the FAFSA?
When you complete the FAFSA form online, you can pick up to 20 schools to receive your information. Those schools will use the information to calculate how much student aid to offer you. Each school will send you an aid offer that details the types and amounts of aid available to you.
2024-25 FAFSA questions walkthrough
We understand that filing out the FAFSA can seem intimidating, especially if it's your first time. But don't worry—we'll break everything down for you. We'll help you understand complicated questions, why certain questions are asked, and how to confidently answer each one.
Step 2
Demographics
Step 3
Financials
Family Size
Number in College
Federal Benefits Received
Student Tax Filing Status
Student 2022 Tax Return Information
Annual Child Support Received
Student Assets
Student Spouse Tax Filing Status
Student Spouse 2022 Tax Return Information
Parent Identity Information
Parent Contact Information
Parent Tax Filing Status
Parent 2022 Tax Return Information
Parent Spouse or Partner Tax Filing Status
Parent Spouse or Partner 2022 Tax Return Information
Apply for free scholarship before filling out FAFSA
Check out our 100% free marketplace that makes it easy to find your perfect scholarship.
Go to Scholarship Marketplace
Your FAFSA questions answered
Any student interested in financial aid for college, regardless of income, should fill out the FAFSA application. It’s the primary application for federal, state, and institutional aid.
Completing the FAFSA typically takes under an hour, including gathering financial documents like tax returns. Having your information ready beforehand can make the process smoother and faster.
You’ll need your Social Security number, tax returns (from 2022 for the 2024-25 FAFSA), and details about income and assets if required. If you’re a dependent student, you’ll also need your parents' financial details, including their tax return information.
Submit as soon as possible after it opens on October 1 to maximize your chances for aid. Many grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so early submission can be critical for accessing limited funds.
Yes, if your financial situation or personal information changes, you can make updates. Log into the FAFSA portal, make the necessary corrections, and resubmit. Updates are especially important if you gain or lose a dependent or experience a significant change in income.
Each college you list on the FAFSA will use your information to calculate your aid eligibility. They will then send an aid offer detailing the types and amounts of aid available, including grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and federal loans. This process usually takes a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the school.
Any student interested in financial aid for college, regardless of income, should fill out the FAFSA application. It’s the primary application for federal, state, and institutional aid.
Submit as soon as possible after it opens on October 1 to maximize your chances for aid. Many grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so early submission can be critical for accessing limited funds.
Completing the FAFSA typically takes under an hour, including gathering financial documents like tax returns. Having your information ready beforehand can make the process smoother and faster.
Yes, if your financial situation or personal information changes, you can make updates. Log into the FAFSA portal, make the necessary corrections, and resubmit. Updates are especially important if you gain or lose a dependent or experience a significant change in income.
You’ll need your Social Security number, tax returns (from 2022 for the 2024-25 FAFSA), and details about income and assets if required. If you’re a dependent student, you’ll also need your parents' financial details, including their tax return information.
Each college you list on the FAFSA will use your information to calculate your aid eligibility. They will then send an aid offer detailing the types and amounts of aid available, including grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and federal loans. This process usually takes a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the school.
Related posts
While your at it, here are some other college finance related blog posts you might be interested in.
8 minutes read
The Complete Guide to Private Student Loans for College
This guide helps you choose the perfect student loan. You'll learn about federal and private loans, repayment strategies, and consolidation options.
Learn More
8 minutes read
Student Loan Refinancing: The Ultimate Guide
This guide helps you choose the perfect private student loan. You'll learn about repayment strategies, consolidation options, and how to apply for one.
Learn More
7 minutes read
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Credit Card?
This guide helps you choose the perfect private student loan. You'll learn about repayment strategies, consolidation options, and how to apply for one.
Learn More
TuitionHero does not provide, and these materials are not meant to convey, tax, financial, or legal advice. Consult your own financial advisor, tax advisor, or attorney about your specific circumstances.
FAFSA® is a registered service mark of the U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid.
External links and third-party references are provided for informational purposes only. TuitionHero cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided by any third parties and assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions contained therein. Any copyrights, trademarks, and/or service marks used in these materials are the property of their respective owners.