what does fafsa stand for

FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It is a form available every year that determines a students eligibility for college-related financial assistance. The FAFSA form is administered by Federal Student Aid, which is an office of the US Department of Education. Once a student submits their FAFSA, Federal Student Aid sends their information to their potential colleges (if they are an incoming student) or to the college they are attending (if they are an enrolled student) . The school then determines the students federal aid eligibility and the amount they can receive each year to pay for their education. The FAFSA form is used by the federal government to determine a familys eligibility for grants, work-study, and loans to pay for college. The questions on the FAFSA are intended to determine the student’s level of financial need and establish their Expected Family Contribution (EFC) . The FAFSA is the first step many families take when seeking financial aid for college, and it helps establish eligibility for grants, work-study programs, and loans.