Don’t Miss This Important Date For Free College Money

75% of college students & parents miss this deadline.

Do you know when the open enrollment period for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is? Odds are, you don’t.

If you want to maximize the amount of aid you get to help you pay for college, knowing this date is crucial for saving you money.

Mark Your Calendars

This year, the open enrollment period for the FAFSA begins on October 1, 2022. This opening date is missed by 75% of families simply because they don’t know when it is. A lot of families also don’t even apply for the FAFSA at all because they assume they aren’t eligible for federal aid.

By not applying for the FAFSAm you’re essentially leaving money on the table to help you pay for college.

Why You Should Apply For The FAFSA

When you apply for the FAFSA, you suddenly have access to the largest source of financial aid resources to help you pay for college. Regardless of grades or income, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements every undergraduate and graduate student should submit a FAFSA.

FAFSA Eligibility

Wondering if you’re eligible for an FAFSA benefits? In order to claim any aid from your FAFSA, you must:

  • be a U.S. citizen
  • have a valid Social Security number
  • be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program
  • maintain satisfactory academic progress in college or career school
  • sign the certification statement on the FAFSA form, stating that:
    • you are not in default on a federal student loan
    • you do not owe money on a federal student grant, and
    • you will use federal student aid only for education purposes
  • show you’re qualified to obtain a college or career school education by
    • having a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) certificate)
    • completed a high school education in a homeschooling setting approved under state law; or
    • enrolling in an eligible career pathway program and meeting one of the “ability to benefit” alternatives

Don’t forget, October 1, 2022 is the date to get going. The sooner you get your FAFSA filed, the more benefits you’ll receive from it.

Need more college advice? Check out these books to read to start off the semester on the right foot. And if you’re already looking at colleges for next year, be sure to ask these questions on your tour.