Top 10 Reasons to Complete the FAFSA Early

The Top 10 Reasons to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1:

1. 1.

   You'll have a better chance of receiving aid from programs with limited funds, like federal work-study and institutional grants.

2. 2.

   You can complete the FAFSA before your college applications - just include colleges you plan to apply to and, if needed, update with additional colleges later.

3. 3.

   It's easy! Most students and families can use the IRS Data Retrieval tool to complete the income questions.

4. 4.

   You'll learn about financial aid eligibility early in the admissions process and can make more informed decisions about what colleges apply to.

5. 5.

   You're sure to meet all of your prospective colleges’ priority financial aid filing deadlines.        

6. 6.

   If you apply for early decision or early action, you’ll get finalized financial aid award information soon after acceptance notification.

7. 7.

   If you're planning to apply for any private scholarships that require you to be Pell eligible, you’ll know your eligibility right away.

8. 8.

   You'll be able to explore the financial impact of a college choice well before the May 1 deadline for accepting a spot.

9. 9.

   If borrowing is needed, federal loans are best and the only way to apply for those is through the FAFSA.

10. 10.

    The New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application is linked from the FAFSA and uses the same year’s income information.