• Get educated! To learn more about applying for financial aid, attend a high school financial aid night or College Goal Sunday.
• Be aware of deadlines. Priority consideration for state aid programs is given to those students who apply by March 1. Many colleges also prioritize their grant and scholarship awards for students who apply by this date.
• Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  • Get your FAFSA Personal Identification Number (PIN). The student and parents can both receive PINs. The PINs are used as the electronic signatures for the FAFSA and they allow access to the student's financial aid records. This can be done anytime. The PINs must be obtained before electronically filing the FAFSA.
  • Check out the FAFSA4caster. This federal Web site lets students get an early start on the financial aid process. Students can complete a FAFSA-like process to get an early estimate of their eligibility for federal financial aid. Information from FAFSA4caster can be transferred to FAFSA on the Web once students are ready to apply for aid.
  • Gather the information and documents needed for filing the FAFSA. Students and parents will need to report their Social Security Numbers on the FAFSA. Students will also need to report their driver's license number. Information or statements on savings, investments, and business and farm assets for students and parents will be needed. Students and parents should get their tax returns completed early (before March 1) so that the actual figures from the tax forms can be used to complete the FAFSA. However, estimated figures can be reported initially on the FAFSA and then corrected later if tax forms cannot be completed prior to March 1. The important thing is, whether providing estimated or actual figures, file the FAFSA on time!
• Find out whether any supplemental applications in addition to the FAFSA must be filed.
  • Read application instructions carefully before beginning to complete the form.
  • Observe and meet all deadlines
  • Comply with all written requests for information.
  • Maintain a file of all applications and/or forms submitted.
  • Record the dates for filing for each application.
• If any unusual circumstances exist, contact the postsecondary institution financial aid office.
• Respond promptly to award offers from institutions.

Additional Resources

The Cost of a College Education Cash for College  Funding Your Education Who Qualifies for Financial Aid Determining Financial Need Financial Aid Calculators Helping Adults Plan for College Higher Ed. Guide for Adults  Information for Graduate Students  Information for International Students State of Michigan Programs Specialty Programs Searching for Scholarships Scholarship Search Web Sites Scholarship Scams