Recently everyone at my school has begun filling out their financial aid applications; however, my family does not qualify for any kind of financial aid (for which I am fortunate of course), but my question is: do I still need to fill out FAFSA or should I not submit it at all?
This question comes up often. If your family intends to pay the full cost for you to attend college…fine…don’t do the fafsa.
However, first check your school for a couple of things.
- There are a small handful of schools that place restrictions on applying for institutional,aid in subsequent years if you don't apply now. There are not that many...but better to check before you don't apply...and then have a parent lose a job or something.
- Some schools require the completion of the financial aid application forms even for merit aid awards as well. Check your colleges to see.
- If you want a Direct Loan, you will need to complete the fafsa.
And a couple (really, just 3 or 4) give a small grant for filing the FAFSA. Don’t leave money on the table.