Promoting the Importance of FAFSA
Office of Federal Student Aid YouTube
The US Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid has a YouTube channel with simple and engaging videos that walk through the FAFSA application process that can be shared with students and families. Be sure to use the most recent videos, as some information has changed.
US Department of Education’s Homeroom Blog: Federal Student Aid
Homeroom is the official blog of the US Department of Education and publishes timely information and resources relevant to FAFSA completion and federal student aid. Some examples of blog topics, which are great for including in newsletters or emails to parents, include: 5 Things to do After Filing Your FAFSA, Top 5 FAFSA FAQs, 7 Common Myths about Financial Aid, and 7 Common FAFSA Mistakes.
Federal Student Aid on Social Media
The US Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid has a strong social media presence, which can be leveraged to promote the importance of FAFSA in your school and community. These social media pages provide timely reminders of relevant information and deadlines related to federal student aid programs. Additionally, these social media posts can be shared or used as resources with students and families. Below is the list of Federal Student Aid’s social media handles:
- Facebook: @FEDERALSTUDENTAID
- Twitter: @FAFSA
- Instagram: @FEDERALSTUDENTAID
- LinkedIn: @FEDERALSTUDENTAID
- YouTube: @FEDERALSTUDENTAID
Help with FAFSA Submission and Completion
The Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC)
The Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC), staffed by the US Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid, provides information and assistance around the federal student aid application process. Customer service representatives are available to respond to student and parent inquires including assisting with the FAFSA application, pre-filled FAFSA on the Web, FAFSA corrections, FAFSA4caster, the US Department of Education's federal student aid grant and loan programs and student loan history. Customer service representatives are available to provide assistance in both English and Spanish.
FSAIC responds to inquiries from a variety of communication channels, including phone calls to 1-800-4-FED-AID, TTY Assistance at 1-800-730-8913, a toll number at 1-334-523-2691, live online help (chat) and email. FSAIC also offers a self-serve option for customers using an interactive voice response (IVR) system. Customers can order single copies of many of its publications such as fact sheets, worksheets, checklists, and the paper FAFSA application.
General FAFSA Information
Federal Student Aid's Financial Aid Toolkit for Counselors
Managed by the Office of Federal Student Aid, the Financial Aid Toolkit provides federal student aid information and outreach tools for FAFSA and other Federal Student Aid financial aid services. Through the website, counselors, advisors, and other professionals can receive a basic understanding of the FAFSA, federal loans, and other federal financial aid programs, receive tips and strategies to host a financial aid event or conduct outreach to students and families. Additionally, this toolkit provides tools and resources such as flyers, social media posts, and infographics (in English and Spanish), that counselors can use to promote FAFSA and financial aid completion. Finally, the website offers updates and opportunities for financial aid trainings and professional development.
The FAFSA Demo website is the demonstration version of the FAFSA on the Web and FAA Access to CPS Online sites. The demo site is updated in September each year to show the upcoming year's form. This FAFSA demonstration website allows you to walk through the FAFSA process as a student. This is a great training tool for staff and volunteers who will be helping students and families with FAFSA. The FAFSA Demo website provides a variety of pre-loaded data scenarios with links to demo usernames and passwords. Please refer to the list of scenarios found of the webpage for more information.
2023-24 FAFSA Materials and Websites
The 2023-24 FAFSA updates and materials will become available in September 2022. Please click on the link above to access the most up-to-date information and materials.
2023-24 FAFSA Form on StudentAid.gov Preview Presentation
This presentation, produced by the US Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid, provides a step-by-step preview of this year’s FAFSA on the Web site. It’s a great way for counselors, college access professionals, and others to familiarize themselves with the ins and outs of this year’s FAFSA application. The slides can also be used or modified to create your own FAFSA presentation.
English-Spanish Glossary
This extensive glossary can help financial aid professionals and others find the Spanish-language equivalents for common financial aid terms.
Non-FSA Resources for Counselors & College Access Professionals
National College Attainment Network Training Resources
The National College Attainment Network (NCAN) provides e-learning resources to college access professionals, with select modules focusing on federal student aid programs, financial aid and FAFSA completion. The modules are self-paced, available year-round, and reflect evidence-based practices. NCAN members can access these modules for free; however, non-members may have to pay a fee to access these trainings. While the two general financial aid modules are free, the two FAFSA-focused modules are $119 each.
This webpage, managed by the National College Attainment Network (NCAN) provides resources, guides, links, and information around FAFSA completion. This resource library includes information on such topics as data management, planning, communication, and training.
Designed and managed by the National College Attainment Network (NCAN), this website provides free resources and information to assist students and families with completing the FAFSA.
Financial Pursuit by TGR Foundation
Designed through collaboration with Discovery Education, “Financial Pur$uit” is the TGR Foundation’s financial aid learning module. Students can access this self-paced, digital module to learn about the types of financial aid sources and the steps necessary to pay for college. The TGR Foundation provides an educator’s guide to accompany the learning module.
The Student Aid Reference Desk is managed by the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) in collaboration with several partners within the financial aid industry. This website serves as a central location for financial aid resources, legislation, regulations, and other important information.
Urban Institute’s Understanding College Affordability
“Understanding College Affordability,” an online resource created by the Urban Institute, helps students, families, and the community understand the true cost of college. The resource provides key terms and explanations, as well as example student profiles, so families from all income levels can interpret college affordability.
Mapping Your Future: FAFSA Training for Service Providers
Mapping Your Future offers a free FAFSA training to financial aid professionals and others helping students complete the FAFSA, as well as a webinar for students and parents. To register for one of these webinars, follow the link above. Past webinars are also available on-demand.
Working with Special Populations
College Board: Advising Undocumented Students
Geared towards education professionals, this page provides a brief introduction to the basics of advising undocumented students through the college admissions and financial aid process. While this is primarily intended for school counselors, it may also be helpful to share with any volunteers you have at a FAFSA completion event.
Student Aid Tips for Unique Student Populations
These handouts can be used as part of a training to prepare counselors and volunteers to provide assistance to students in unique situations, including adult learners, foster youth, single parents, military service members and veterans, refugee and asylum seekers, undocumented students and more.
US Department of Education: Financial Aid for Military Service Members, Veterans, and Families
This webpage organized by the US Department of Educations’ Office of Federal Aid, provides a general overview of resources that military services members, veterans and their families can access to receive financial aid. We also suggest you use the SEARCH and HELP functions on this webpage for additional information and resources.
US Department of Education: Financial Aid and Undocumented Students
This handout by the US Department of Education’s Office of Federal Aid provides answers to several frequently asked questions about undocumented students and financial aid. Not only is this a helpful resource for counselors and professionals, but it can also be shared with students.