Most financial assistance requires some form of application. The application used most often is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Every student should complete the FAFSA by the earliest deadline of the colleges you are considering. Additional forms, such as the College Board’s Profile form and scholarship applications, might also be required and will be listed in colleges’ financial aid or admissions materials or by organizations that offer scholarships. The box on page 306 outlines the steps you must take to qualify for most scholarships and grants, especially those sponsored by the federal government or state governments.

The amount of financial aid that you receive will depend on the cost of your academic program and what you or your family can pay as determined by FAFSA. Cost includes average expenses for tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, transportation, and personal expenses. The financial aid office will subtract from the cost the amount that you and your family are expected to pay. In some cases, that amount can be as little as zero. Financial aid is designed to make up as much of the balance or “need” as possible.