What is FAFSA?

FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is a free application provided by the federal government. It is used to determine eligibility for federal financial aid, such as the Pell Grant, Work Study, as well as loans. The FAFSA is also used in many cases to determine eligibility for state and institutional grants.

The FAFSA website offers resources to help you complete the form correctly. The online application is significantly faster and more accurate than using the paper application.

If you’re ready to continue to the FAFSA completion guide, click here.

Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible each year. The FAFSA can be completed starting on October 1 and the priority deadline for completing it is March 1 for Michigan for those students who plan on entering college the following fall. Check with the college(s) you are interested in attending and find out their deadlines. You must reapply each year.

To be eligible to complete the FAFSA and qualify for federal grants and loans, a student must:

• be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen,
• be enrolled in an eligible program,
• have a high school degree or GED,
• be registered with Selective Service if you are male,
• have a valid Social Security Number, and
• not have been convicted of a drug offense while receiving financial aid

• Central Michigan University
• Eastern Michigan University
• Ferris State University
• Grand Valley State University
• Lake Superior State University
• Michigan State University
• Michigan Technological University
• Northern Michigan University
• Oakland University
• Saginaw Valley State University
• University of Michigan
• University of Michigan-Dearborn
• University of Michigan-Flint
• Wayne State University
• Western Michigan University

To view university admissions and application pages, visit our MI UNIVERSITIES page