FAFSA. What is it?

All schools must use this application to award federal and institutional student aid. Completing the FAFSA can help students qualify for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs.

Reach out to our RISLA's College Planning experts! They can get you started with your FAFSA and answer questions about the completion process. We are here to help you start to finish!

SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT >
WATCH VIDEO >

FAFSA Completion Guide

A step-by-step preview of the FAFSA form.
Review the FAFSA form in detail before completing it. We have provided a step-by-step guide for each section of the FAFSA and clear instructions for the information needed on each screen.
iStock-1591806948_1200X1200_O

FSA ID

For Parents & Students

This is for students and parents to create their FSA ID.

LEARN MORE >
iStock-2105091005_1200X1200_O

FAFSA Guide

For Dependent Students

For dependent students to begin the FAFSA,  then invite parent(s) to complete it.

LEARN MORE >
iStock-1662894831_1200X1200_O

FAFSA Guide

For Parent(s)

This is for parents beginning the FAFSA on behalf of their dependent student.

LEARN MORE >

RISLA College Planning Center

Schedule an appointment with one of our experts.

The RISLA College Planning Center (CPC) is here to help students achieve their higher education dreams! We offer complimentary FAFSA completion appointments for both parents and students—let’s make those goals a reality together!

SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT >
SCHEDULAE_APPOINTMENT

Why Fill Out the FAFSA?

Here are some reasons why completing your FAFSA is important.
noun-exclamation-1447148-343333
The FAFSA is Free!

It's called the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and the word "FREE" is right in the name!

noun-clock-2766355-343333
File Early

Filing earlier is better.  You may receive your school’s award letters earlier, allowing more time to compare offers and explore options for unmet financial needs.
noun-college-6861769-343333
Institutional Aid

Is used to determine more than just Federal Aid. Schools require the FAFSA for institutional aid if they do not require the CSS Profile.

noun-grad-cap-on-books-6702466-343333
Work-Study

Determines eligibility for Work Study. Federal Work-Study offers part-time jobs to undergraduate and graduate students with financial needs, enabling them to earn money for education expenses.

noun-light-bulb-4547108-343333 (1)
Required Annually

The FAFSA must be completed yearly. Federal aid, including eligibility for federal student loans, is awarded annually; therefore, completion is required each year to receive aid.

noun-graduate-cap-149716-343333
RI Promise & Hope Scholarship

Determines eligibility for the RI Promise Scholarship. All Rhode Islanders who graduate high school can pursue associate degrees at CCRI without paying tuition through the Promise scholarship.

RISLA_SOCIAL_SCHOLARSHIP_HUB_0123_JAN_02

RISLA Scholarship Hub

Helping parents & students pay for college.

Did you know college scholarships are free money to help pay for college expenses? Well, it's true! And the RISLA Scholarship Hub is here to help students and parents find extra funds to help pay for college.

💸 The best kind of funds . . . the kind you don't have to pay back! 

CHECK IT OUT >
04_APRIL_2024

Enter to Win!

Knowledge for College Scholarship

Check out Knowledge for College Scholarship! We award $2,000 each to four deserving students every month. Whether you need help covering tuition, books, or living expenses, our scholarship can help ease the burden.

🤩 Take your chance to win - enter every month for your prize!

ENTER TO WIN TODAY >
05_MAY_2024

rischolarships.org

A free scholarship search tool!

Discover an abundance of local scholarships waiting for you. The search is fast and simple, making it effortless to find your perfect match!

START YOUR SEARCH >

    Check Out of Blog!

    Get the latest news about College Planning, Student Loans & Refinancing.

    How to Make the Most of Campus Visits During the Holiday Season
    College Planning
    Maximize your holiday break by visiting college campuses. Explore, ask questions, and reflect to find the perfect fit for your future academic journey.
    READ MORE >

    FAFSA Begins - Dec. 1st
    College Financial Aid
    Filling out the FAFSA is essential when preparing for college. The FAFSA could qualify you for grants, scholarships, federal loans, and work-study.
    READ MORE >

    College Planning Tips and Timeline for High School Juniors
    College Planning
    College planning tips for high school juniors, including a month-by-month timeline, college fair visits, virtual tours, and free counseling from the RISLA College Planning Center.
    READ MORE >

    Diploma to Dorm Room: Freshman Year Prep Guide
    College Planning
    Prepare for your freshman year of college with our comprehensive guide, which covers everything from course registration to financial aid, campus resources, budgeting, and settling into dorm life. Start your college journey right!
    READ MORE >

    Questions to ask about student loans if you need to borrow.
    College Planning
    Borrowing responsibly for college is the key. Be sure to ask questions.
    READ MORE >

    College Planning Tips for June
    College Planning
    Make sure to keep your eye on the college prize during your summer break. We have provided a summer check list for you.
    READ MORE >

    "Senioritis" and How to Beat It
    College Planning
    Finishing strong is important even after you have been accepted to college. Be aware that "Senioritis" can have consequences.
    READ MORE >

    Time to Search for Scholarships - Search Local
    Scholarships
    Local scholarships are a great way to reduce the amount you need to borrow for college.
    READ MORE >

    College Planning Tips for October
    College Planning
    Don't lose sight of your goals. October is the most important month in applying for college. Pay close attention to our college planning tips for October!
    READ MORE >

    You Should Attend a College Fair and Here's Why
    College Planning
    College fairs are a great way to start off your college planning process.
    READ MORE >

    College Planning Tips for August
    College Planning
    Prepare for college application season, with RISLA's college planning tips for August.
    READ MORE >

    College Planning Tips for July
    College Planning
    Read this list of July college planning tips for rising HS seniors to make sure you stay on track for this fall!
    READ MORE >

    Making the Most of College Campus Visits
    College Planning
    Questions You Should Ask When Visiting College Campuses
    READ MORE >

    Federal Student Aid Rundown - What you can get by filing the FAFSA
    College Financial Aid
    Always file the FAFSA even if you think you won't qualify for aid. You could receive scholarships, grants, loans, and/or work-study!
    READ MORE >

    4 Tips for Your Scholarship Search
    Scholarships
    Scholarships are a great way to help pay for college and scholarships do not have to be paid back. Learn more about where to look for scholarships and start your search sooner rather than later.
    READ MORE >

    PSATs and SATs Are Going Digital
    College Planning
    Change is ahead for the SATs, but not immediate.
    READ MORE >

    FAFSA Verification? Do I Need To Do That?
    College Financial Aid
    Learn more about FAFSA verification, who it applies to and when.
    READ MORE >

    FAFSA and Financial Aid Myths
    College Financial Aid
    Money for college starts with filing your FAFSA. Don't be fooled by some common myths about why you shouldn't file.
    READ MORE >

    Scholarship Searches - Do's & Don'ts
    Scholarships
    Scholarships are out there. Here are some tips for searching.
    READ MORE >

    Work-Study: What It Is and Isn't
    College Financial Aid
    Work-study is a form of federal financial aid. Read about some the most commonly asked questions regarding the details of this self-help aid program.
    READ MORE >

    Filing the FAFSA - It's really not that hard
    College Financial Aid
    Filling out the FAFSA is essential when preparing for college. The FAFSA could qualify you for grants, scholarships, federal loans, and work-study.
    READ MORE >

    We are with you for the journey.

    CPC_BRANDING_LOGO_SOCIAL_0123_JAN-02_500X500

    College Planning

    A free service aimed at helping students achieve their goal of attending college and paying for it. The CPC assists thousands of students and families each year in planning for higher education.

    LEARN MORE >
    KFC_BRANDING_LOGOS_02_500X500

    Scholarship Hub

    Check out how to prepare for college—access free tools and resources.  Find local scholarships for college, and parents and students can enter to win $2,000 in college scholarships!

    LEARN MORE >
    KFC_BRANDING_LOGOS_02 (1)

    Student Loans

    Our student loans offer flexible repayment options, competitive interest rates, and a simple application process, making them an ideal choice for parents and students.

    LEARN MORE >
    KFC_BRANDING_LOGOS_02 (1)

    Refinancing

    With our refinancing options, you can enjoy the benefits of low fixed interest rates, no fees, and an auto-pay discount. Take advantage of this opportunity to save money and simplify your finances. 

    LEARN MORE >