Key FAFSA terms
- Student Aid Index (SAI): the number colleges use to work out your need-based aid. It replaced the Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
- Contributor: anyone who must provide information, usually parents for dependent students.
- Pell Grant: federal grant for students with financial need. It doesn't need to be repaid.
- Federal Work-Study: part-time jobs for students with need.
When to file
The FAFSA for each academic year usually opens in the fall of the year before. The federal deadline is June 30 at the end of the aid year, but many states and colleges have much earlier deadlines and some award aid first come, first served. File as early as you can. Check dates on studentaid.gov and with each college.
Common mistakes
- Missing contributor consent, which leaves the form incomplete.
- Waiting for the federal deadline when your state's deadline has passed.
- Not checking your email for requests to verify information.