FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid

Your path to financial aid starts here!

The FAFSA is your starting point for higher education financial aid. Most students fill out the form in 30 minutes.

This one form puts you in reach of $120 billion in student aid provided by each year the U.S. Department of Education. If you wait too long fill out the FAFSA, you may come up short!

Fortunately, there's help at every corner — within the FAFSA form, on the FAFSA and many other websites. Watch the video on this page! You'll soon be on your way.

 

Fill Out Your FAFSA!

Apply early for higher opportunity for assistance!

CMC Federal School Code: 004506
Use 2021 taxes for 2023 Fall and 2024 Spring and Summer terms
Use 2022 taxes for 2024 Fall and 2025 Spring and Summer terms 

FAFSA Form

State aid is available for qualified students including those without lawful immigration status. Use the CASFA Form.

Filling out the FAFSA — Avoid these Common Mistakes

Here are some of the most common mistakes students/parents make — and that you can avoid.

  • Remember to sign the application. Be sure both, student and parent (if applicable due to dependent status) use the FSA ID to sign the FAFSA at the time the application is complete.
  • Students/Parents often forget to report all required sources of untaxed income. You should include Social Security, child support, and welfare benefits (includes TANF and earned income credit)
  • Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (IRS DRT) to transfer your (and parent/spouse) income directly into your FAFSA from the IRS.
  • Divorced parents or students sometimes include their ex-spouse’s income. They should list only their own income and that of their current spouse.
  • Be sure to round numbers to the nearest dollar (to help with this, use the IRS DRT within the FAFSA).
  • Make sure you follow the instructions!

FAFSA FAQ

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