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FAFSA Resources

Get the guidance you need to complete the FAFSA with confidence.

The RISLA College Planning Center provides resources and one-on-one support for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), helping students and families understand the financial aid process, maximize eligibility, and meet important deadlines. Whether you're filing for the first time or need help with corrections, our college planning experts are here to help.

Create a personalized college financing plan that works semester after semester.
Step-by-step FAFSA completion support for first-time and returning applicants.
Help understanding financial aid offers and how eligibility is determined.
Assistance with FAFSA corrections and updates to keep your application accurate and on track.

FAFSA Resources & Free Support

Schedule Your Free Appointment >

Free FAFSA Assistance

Students and parents can receive personalized guidance to complete and submit their FAFSA accurately.

Financial Aid Guidance

Learn how financial aid works, understand your award offers, and explore your college financing options.

College Planning Appointments

Get personalized support from a college planning expert for FAFSA corrections & financial aid questions.

Create Your FSA ID

Your First Step to Completing the FAFSA

What To Know

Preparing for Your FSA ID

Before you can submit the FAFSA, both the student and a parent (if required) must create their own FSA ID.
Your FSA ID is your secure username and password for accessing federal student aid and serves as your legal electronic signature.
Create your FSA ID a few days before starting the FAFSA to allow time for verification.

What You Will Need

Required Information & Documents

Social Security Number (if applicable)
Full legal name
Date of birth
Valid email address
Mobile phone number
Residential mailing address

Important Reminders

Tips to Avoid FAFSA Delays

Students and parents must create separate FSA IDs using different email addresses.
Never share your FSA ID—it is your personal electronic signature and should only be used by you.
Creating your FSA ID early can help avoid delays when it's time to complete your FAFSA.

Why Complete the FAFSA?

Unlock More Ways to Pay for College

Completing the FAFSA is one of the most important steps in planning and paying for college. It can open the door to grants, scholarships, work-study, federal student loans, and college financial aid—even if you think you may not qualify.

It's Free to Apply

There's No Cost—Only Opportunity

The FAFSA is completely free to complete, and there is never a fee to apply for federal student aid.

Apply online at no cost
Access federal, state, and college financial aid
Submit a new FAFSA each academic year

Qualify for Federal Grants

Money You Do Not Need To Pay Back For College

Federal grants don't have to be repaid and are awarded based on financial need.

Pell Grants for eligible undergraduate students
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
TEACH Grants for students pursuing teaching careers

Access Federal Student Loans

Borrow Federal Student Loans First

Federal student loans offer valuable borrower protections and flexible repayment options.

No cosigner required for eligible students
Access Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans
Explore federal loans before considering private loans

Be Considered for College Financial Aid

Colleges Use the FAFSA Too

Many colleges require the FAFSA to determine eligibility for institutional grants, scholarships, and other financial aid.

Required by many colleges for school-based aid
May increase your total financial aid package
Helps maximize available funding opportunities

Earn Money Through Work-Study

Work While You Learn

The Federal Work-Study Program provides eligible students with part-time jobs to help pay for college expenses.

Earn money while attending school
Gain valuable work experience
Help reduce out-of-pocket education costs

CSS Profile

Some schools require the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA.

While the FAFSA determines eligibility for federal aid (like federal grants, loans, and work-study), many colleges also want the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile so they can figure out how much extra help they can give you from their own funds. When beginning the financial aid process, it's essential to check with each college you are applying to see whether they require the CSS Profile.

PREPARING FOR YOUR CSS PROFILE