FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This form is used to determine the amount of money a family is expected to contribute to the price of attending a postsecondary institution. The results of the FAFSA are used in determining student grants, work study, and loan amounts.

The FAFSA application is critical because it is used for Federal Pell Grants as well as Minnesota State Grants and other financial aid offered by colleges and universities. You must apply separately for many scholarships.

Fill out the application completely and accurately, and be sure to get it in on time. Even a minor problem with the form could result in delays or the loss of financial assistance.