Free FAFSA Forecaster

If you want to begin exploring your financial aid options and get an early start on the financial aid process, FAFSA4caster is for you!

By using FAFSA4caster, you and your family will receive an early estimate of eligibility for federal student aid. This Web site provides you with an opportunity to increase your knowledge of the financial aid process; become familiar with the various types of federal student aid that are available; and investigate other sources of aid, such as grants and scholarships.

When you're ready to apply for aid, you can easily transition from FAFSA4caster to FAFSA on the Web. Much of the information that you enter in the FAFSA4caster will populate your FAFSA on the Web application, making the experience of applying for federal student aid a lot easier.

So help make your future forecast a bright one by planning now for college. Use the FAFSA4caster now!
 

www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov

PREPARE
Learn about federal student aid programs and what's available to you. You can use FAFSA4caster to increase your knowledge of the financial aid process; become familiar with the various types of federal student aid that are available; and investigate other sources of aid, such as grants and scholarships.

You can also find out about our programs in detail from Funding Education Beyond High School: The Guide to Federal Student Aid. The guide tells you almost everything you need to know about federal student aid, as well as other means of paying for your education after high school. Take what we say to heart... and then take it to the next step.

APPLY
This step is where many deserving students falter, either because they assume they won't qualify or because the FAFSA may seem complex and difficult to complete. FAFSA4caster provides an opportunity for you to become familiar with many of the questions that are asked on the FAFSA, and you can use the FAFSA4caster to practice answering the questions online.

When you're ready to file the FAFSA use the online version at www.fafsa.ed.gov, which streamlines the application process considerably. Remember, it's a good idea to apply. You may be surprised by the amount of aid for which you qualify.

RECEIVE
We will inform you and your selected colleges about your EFC. Then they (or your private lender) will tell you how much - and what sorts of - aid you qualify for. Federal student aid may not cover all college expenses.

REPAY
If your aid is in the form of loans, you must repay these loans and become familiar with the repayment process. Student loans, unlike grants and work-study, are borrowed money that must be repaid, with interest, just like car loans and mortgages.

You cannot have these loans canceled because you didn't like the education you received, didn't get a job in your field of study, or because you're having financial difficulty. Loans are legal obligations, so before you take out a student loan, think about the amount you'll have to repay over the years.
 
How Do I Get a FAFSA PIN Number?