Apply for a Student Loan

College Grants Made Simple with NextStudent

There are three different types of free money* for college:

College Grants
Work Studies
Scholarships

*If you don’t qualify for any of the above, or if you aren’t awarded enough to cover your college expenses, student loans are the most common way to make up the difference. Learn more about a variety of student loans from NextStudent.

College grants are awards based on financial need, and are available from the federal government, state governments, schools and private organizations.

To apply for college grants, you will first need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

College Grants: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

With the search for free money (college grants) underway, it's time to get down to brass tacks. That is, complete the FAFSA.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), is the form used to determine eligibility for all financial aid. In other words, you must submit a FAFSA to be considered for college grants, work-study, and federal student loans, including Federal Stafford Loan and Federal Parent PLUS Loans.

The FAFSA examines your family’s financial situation and evaluates your eligibility for college grants and other student financial aid based on U.S. Department of Education guidelines. The official deadline for submitting a FAFSA varies from state to state. To be safe though, and to increase your chances of receiving college grants and financial aid, submit your FAFSA as soon after January 1st as possible. You can submit the FAFSA online or via regular mail.

Keep in mind—funds are limited for need-based financial aid, so you’ll want to apply as soon after January 1 as possible to increase your chances of getting financial aid.

To apply for college grants, complete a FAFSA, use FAFSA on the Web at www.FAFSA.ed.gov . Or, you can submit a FAFSA through your high school or college financial aid office. The application process takes about four to six weeks. Use this time to start investigating scholarships using the award-winning NextStudent Scholarship Search Engine.

Although you can submit a paper application, there are advantages to submitting your application online via FAFSA on the Web:

You'll get your Student Aid Report (SAR) quicker
FAFSA on the Web automatically checks applications for incomplete or conflicting information
You can save the application for transmission at a later time
Your FAFSA filing date determines your place in line

How Much Money in College Grants Can You Get?

Two to four weeks after the FAFSA is submitted online (four to six weeks for mail-in applications), The Department of Education mails the Student Aid Report (SAR). This form shows your financial aid and eligibility for college grants and the amount your family must pay towards your education (the Expected Family Contribution, or EFC).

If you aren’t awarded enough to cover your college expenses, student loans and parent loans (PLUS loans) are the most common way to make up the difference. Learn more about a variety of student loans and Parent PLUS Loans from NextStudent.

Helpful Resources

Additional Programs

Student Loan Info