The Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA opens every year on October 1st. Below are some things to consider sharing with adult learners about the FAFSA.
1. A common misconception about FAFSA is that it is only for people who need a loan to go to a four-year college or university. The truth is that federal student aid can be used for a variety of postsecondary programs including career and technical schools and community colleges. Additionally, completion of the FAFSA may make someone eligible for local scholarships, grants, and work study that are not a loan and do not need to be paid back.
2. FAFSA isn't the only way to get money for postsecondary education and training, but completing the FAFSA can increase your chances of getting scholarships and grants from your local institution. Adult learners can explore local community organization scholarships and Title I funding in addition to completing the FAFSA.
3. Most postsecondary education and training providers have a staff person in either their admissions office or financial aid office that is trained and able to help adult learners complete the FAFSA online or on paper. Accommodations are also available for learners to help increase access to federal student aid dollars.
4. Below are some statistics from Education Data Initiative that may be helpful to share with adult learners:
"Grants and scholarships refer to money that recipients don’t have to repay. Most federal grants are need-based.
- The average federal grant amount awarded to each student on an annual basis is $5,179.
- The federal government is most likely to award grants to students attending private, for-profit colleges, with 62% of students at these institutions receiving federal grants.
- In total, the federal government distributes $29.6 billion in grant money among 42.6% of college students nationwide.
- Undergraduates eligible for Federal Pell Grants may receive between $639 and $6,345 each; the average award is $3,900.
- 6.8 million college students receive Federal Pell Grants."
5. Some adult learners in adult basic education programming may still have to show their parent's income on the FAFSA. Learners can explore the FAFSA Help Page to learn more.