Don't let these myths keep you from filling out the FAFSA®

Completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the first step in paying for college. Despite being free to complete, many families still forgo the FAFSA, which left over $3.58 billion of free financial aid unclaimed for the high school class of 2022. Don't let these top FAFSA myths prevent you from receiving money you need for college.

Myth #1: My family doesn't qualify for financial aid

Don't assume that you make too much money to qualify for financial aid. There is no income cap and most people qualify for some aid. The FAFSA calculates your Student Aid Index (SAI) based on many factors, such as family size, parent's assets, and income.

The FAFSA is used for more than free aid. Many schools use the FAFSA to determine eligibility for scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and federal student loans. There is no income cap to be eligible for federal student aid. While higher-income families may not be awarded need-based aid, your child may still be eligible for other types of financial aid like scholarships, and unsubsidized federal loans.

Myth #2: My child doesn't have strong academic scores

Strong academic scores help you gain access to merit-based financial aid, but most federal student aid doesn’t take grades into consideration.

Myth #3: I can’t fill out the FAFSA until I know where I’m applying

As you’re filling out the FAFSA, list any schools you’re planning on applying to, even if you haven’t sent in your applications. You can list up to 20 schools on the FAFSA—if you’re planning on applying to more, you can add them after you receive your FAFSA Submission Summary, formerly known as the Student Aid Report (SAR). Even if you think it’s a possibility you will apply, then it’s worth adding them to your FAFSA so you don’t miss out on financial aid.

Myth #4: I can’t fill out the FAFSA if my taxes aren’t filed

The FAFSA process allows families to use the tax return from two years ago to complete the application. For example, students applying for the 2023–24 school year should use 2021 tax information. This makes filling out the FAFSA easier because families should already have their taxes filed when completing the FAFSA. Your Federal Tax Information (FTI) can be retrieved and transferred directly into your FAFSA via a direct data exchange with the IRS. This system replaces the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT). If you don’t have your taxes filed, you can use paystubs, 1099s, and W-2s instead.

If your financial situation has changed since filing your tax return two years ago, you can notify the schools about these changes after you complete the FAFSA. They can use the additional information when they determine your financial aid award.

Myth #5: My family didn't qualify last year, so we won’t qualify this year

Your eligibility for financial aid is reconsidered each year you are in school, and the FAFSA is how you can address changes that may affect your family’s ability to pay for college. For example, job loss or illness can make your family eligible for more aid this year than in prior years. Completing the FAFSA each year you’re in school is the only way to make sure you don’t miss out on federal aid.

Myth #6: It doesn’t matter when I fill out the FAFSA

The FAFSA becomes available each year on October 1. Some aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so fill it out as soon as possible to be at the front of the line. Because the FAFSA requires quite a bit of financial information, it can be helpful to begin rounding up the required documentation before you sit down to complete it.

Myth #7: The FAFSA is the only way I’ll qualify for aid

Filling out the FAFSA is the only way to be considered for federal aid. But there are other types of aid you will also want to apply for. In addition to the FAFSA, about 250 colleges require the CSS Profile^® to be considered for institutional aid. You should also reach out to your high school counselor and the schools on your list about scholarships, and keep searching for private scholarships on your own.

^{FAFSA® is a registered trademark of the US Department of Education and is not affiliated with Discover® Student Loans.}

^{CSS Profile® is a trademark registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, this site.}

^{We are unable to provide tax advice, so please see IRS.gov or ask a tax professional if you have questions.}