The resources below are in alphabetical order by title. To find resources by resource type, topic, or audience, visit our filtering tool that lets you search through our financial aid tools and resources.
*The Department of Education strives to make all content accessible to everyone. While this document does not currently meet the standards of Section
508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, Federal Student Aid is working to create accessible versions.
For immediate assistance on receiving a 508 compliant document, please send us a written request including the title of the document,
date of the request, and your email address to:
Federal Student Aid Information Center
P.O. Box 84
Washington, DC 20044
2024–25 Counselors and Mentors Handbook on Federal Student Aid*(Result Type: PDF)
Description: Publication for counselors explaining federal student aid programs and how to guide students through the FAFSA process during the 2024–25 award year. [483 KB]
Resource Type: Professional Guide
2024–25 FAFSA Contributor Prep webinar (December 2023)(Result Type: General)
Description: Webinar explaining the role of the contributor on the 2024–25 FAFSA form.
Resource Type: Webinar or Audio File
2024–25 FAFSA Prototype Preview for Dependent Students webinar (October 2023)(Result Type: General)
Description: Webinar providing a demonstration of the 2024–25 FAFSA Prototype for dependent students.
Resource Type: Webinar or Audio File
2024–25 FAFSA Prototype Preview for Independent Students webinar (October 2023)(Result Type: General)
Description: Webinar providing a demonstration of the 2024–25 FAFSA Prototype for independent students.
Resource Type: Webinar or Audio File
2024–25 FAFSA Submission Summary Sample(Result Type: PDF)
Description: Sample 2024–25 FAFSA Submission Summary for college access counselors to familiarize themselves with what their students may receive. [765 KB]
Resource Type: Handout
Also Available in: Spanish(Result Type: PDF)
2024–25 FAFSA® Form Preview Presentation(Result Type: General)
Description: Presentation providing screenshots of the 2024–25 FAFSA form. Feel free to use the screenshots as you compile your own presentations.
Resource Type: Presentation
2024–25 FAFSA® Changes sample email(Result Type: General)
Description: Sample email offering updates about the upcoming FAFSA changes and ways students and families can stay informed.
Resource Type: Email Content
2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid PDF(Result Type: PDF)
Description: The Department of Education's form for federal student aid. The online FAFSA form became available in December 2023, for the 2024–25 award year.
Resource Type: Handout
Also Available in: Spanish(Result Type: PDF)
2024–25 Graduate/Professional College Financing Plan Template(Result Type: PDF)
Description: Consumer tool helping graduate and professional students understand and compare school aid offers. [423KB]
Resource Type: Handout
2024–25 Student Aid Index (SAI) and Pell Grant Eligibility Guide PDF(Result Type: PDF)
Description: Guide explaining the Student Aid Index (SAI) and its calculation to determine students' eligibility for federal student aid.
Resource Type: How-To Guide
2024–25 Summary of Changes PDF(Result Type: PDF)
Description: Document describing updates to the 2024–25 FAFSA form and process. Written for college financial aid staff; some sections useful to counselors or mentors.
Resource Type: Professional Guide
2024–25 Undergraduate College Financing Plan Template(Result Type: PDF)
Description: Consumer tool helping undergraduate students understand and compare school aid offers. [384 KB]
Resource Type: Handout
2025–26 Counselors and Mentors Handbook on Federal Student Aid*(Result Type: PDF)
Description: Publication for counselors explaining federal student aid programs and how to guide students through the FAFSA process during the 2025–26 award year. [683 KB]
Resource Type: Professional Guide
2025–26 FAFSA Submission Summary Sample*(Result Type: PDF)
Description: Sample 2025–26 FAFSA Submission Summary for college access counselors to familiarize themselves with what their students may receive. [747 KB]
Resource Type: Handout
Also Available in: Spanish(Result Type: PDF)
2025–26 FAFSA® Preview Presentation(Result Type: General)
Description: Presentation providing screenshots of the 2025–26 FAFSA form. Feel free to use the screenshots as you compile your own presentations.
Resource Type: Presentation
2025–26 FAFSA® Prototype(Result Type: General)
Description: Web-based design tool allowing users to navigate specific scenarios that many 2025–26 applicants will encounter on the live website.
Resource Type: Web Resource or Tool
2025–26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid PDF(Result Type: PDF)
Description: The Department of Education's form for federal student aid. The online FAFSA form became available in November 2024, for the 2025–26 award year.
Resource Type: Handout
Also Available in: Spanish(Result Type: PDF)
2025–26 Graduate/Professional College Financing Plan Template(Result Type: General)
Description: Consumer tool helping graduate and professional students understand and compare school aid offers. [371 KB]
Resource Type: Handout
2025–26 Student Aid Index (SAI) and Pell Grant Eligibility Guide PDF(Result Type: PDF)
Description: Guide explaining the Student Aid Index (SAI) and its calculation to determine students' eligibility for federal student aid.
Resource Type: How-To Guide
2025–26 Summary of Changes PDF(Result Type: PDF)
Description: Document describing updates to the 2025–26 FAFSA form and process. Written for college financial aid staff; some sections useful to counselors or mentors.
Resource Type: Professional Guide
2025–26 Undergraduate College Financing Plan Template(Result Type: General)
Description: Consumer tool helping undergraduate students understand and compare school aid offers. [348 KB]
Resource Type: Handout
3 FAFSA Deadlines You Need To Know Now article(Result Type: General)
Description: Article detailing the three types of FAFSA deadlines (college, state, and federal) students need to know.
Resource Type: Article or Blog Post
3 Ways to Qualify for Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) Discharge article(Result Type: General)
Description: Article explaining total and permanent disability (TPD) discharge and ways to qualify for one.
Resource Type: Article or Blog Post
3 Ways to Spot Student Loan Scams article(Result Type: General)
Description: Article listing signs to help borrowers identify a scam by a student loan debt relief company.
Resource Type: Article or Blog Post
4 Beginner Tips for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Success article(Result Type: General)
Description: Article providing borrowers with four tips to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
Resource Type: Article or Blog Post
4 Loan Forgiveness Programs for Teachers article(Result Type: General)
Description: Article telling teachers with federal student loans about four loan forgiveness program options that they may be eligible for.
Resource Type: Article or Blog Post
4 Things to Consider in Choosing a College or Career School article(Result Type: General)
Description: Article describing College Scorecard, a tool to answer questions about costs, graduation, debt, and typical earnings after enrollment.
Resource Type: Article or Blog Post
4 Things to Know About Marriage and Student Loan Debt article(Result Type: General)
Description: Article explaining how marriage affects the borrower's income-driven student loan payments.
Resource Type: Article or Blog Post
4 Ways to Manage Your Federal Student Aid (Grants, Loans, and Work-Study) article(Result Type: General)
Description: Article covering four free resources to help student's track their financial aid during college or career school.
Resource Type: Article or Blog Post
5 Things College Access Professionals Should Know(Result Type: General)
Description: Web page including key details about the FAFSA changes to help college access professionals guide students through the FAFSA process.
Resource Type: Web Resource or Tool
5 Things To Know Before Consolidating Federal Student Loans article(Result Type: General)
Description: Article listing the pros and cons before federal student loan borrowers consolidate their federal student loans.
Resource Type: Article or Blog Post
5 Ways To Pay Off Your Student Loans Faster article(Result Type: General)
Description: Article listing five ways borrowers can pay off their federal student loans faster and save money.
Resource Type: Article or Blog Post
6 Steps for Students Filling Out the FAFSA® Form article(Result Type: General)
Description: Article listing six steps for students to fill out the FAFSA form.
Resource Type: Article or Blog Post
6 Things Students Need Before They Fill Out the FAFSA® Form article (Result Type: General)
Description: Article listing the documents and materials (e.g., tax records and StudentAid.gov account) students need to complete the FAFSA form.
Resource Type: Article or Blog Post
6 Ways To Prepare for Student Loan Payments article(Result Type: General)
Description: Article outlining ways for borrowers to prepare for their upcoming federal student loan payments.
Resource Type: Article or Blog Post
7 FAQs About Income-Driven Repayment Plans article(Result Type: General)
Description: Article answering common questions student may have about income-drive repayment plans.
Resource Type: Article or Blog Post
7 Key Changes Coming to the 2024–25 FAFSA® Experience article(Result Type: General)
Description: Article explaining changes to the 2024–25 FAFSA experience.
Resource Type: Article or Blog Post
7 Options if You Didn't Receive Enough Financial Aid article(Result Type: General)
Description: Article telling students about other ways to pay for their education if they didn't receive enough financial aid to cover school expenses.
Resource Type: Article or Blog Post
7 Things To Do After Submitting Your FAFSA® Form article(Result Type: General)
Description: Article listing seven things a student should do to prepare to pay for school after they submit the FAFSA form.
Resource Type: Article or Blog Post
8 Steps for Parents Completing the FAFSA® Form article(Result Type: General)
Description: Article outlining steps for parents to help their child obtain federal student aid.
Resource Type: Article or Blog Post
8 Things You Should Know About Federal Work-Study article(Result Type: General)
Description: Article providing eight facts and tips to help students navigate the Federal Work-Study Program.
Resource Type: Article or Blog Post
9 Things First-Time College Students Need To Know article(Result Type: General)
Description: Article helping first-time college students prepare and plan before starting school.
Resource Type: Article or Blog Post
Applying for Financial Aid With the FAFSA® Form video(Result Type: General)
Description: Video explaining how students can apply for financial aid using the FAFSA form.
Resource Type: Video
Are Your Students Thinking About College?(Result Type: PDF)
Description: IRS fact sheet intended to raise counselors' awareness of education tax benefits such as the American Opportunity Tax Credit and Lifetime Learning Credit. [97 KB]
Resource Type: Handout
Become a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Help Tool Ninja article(Result Type: General)
Description: Article summarizing how to use the PSLF Help Tool for federal student loan borrowers.
Resource Type: Article or Blog Post
Budgeting video(Result Type: General)
Description: Video providing an overview of how budgeting can help students make smart financial decisions, as well as info on creating and maintaining a budget.
Resource Type: Video
Also Available in: Spanish-captioned video(Result Type: VIDEO)
Career Search(Result Type: General)
Description: Career search tool for students exploring potential careers with info on typical duties, education needed, average salary, and more.
Resource Type: Web Resource or Tool
Checklists for Academic and Financial Preparation(Result Type: General)
Description: Checklists helping students (elementary, middle, and high school), as well as adults and parents prepare financially and academically for college.
Resource Type: Web Resource or Tool
College Access Professionals 2024–25 FAFSA Demo (August 2023)(Result Type: General)
Description: Webinar providing college access professionals with a tour of new features and discussion on important updates to the 2024–25 FAFSA experience.
Resource Type: Webinar or Audio File
College Navigator (College Search Website)(Result Type: General)
Description: College search tool allowing students to find colleges and career schools by location, degrees, tuition, etc.
Resource Type: Web Resource or Tool
Also Available in: Spanish(Result Type: General)
College Scorecard(Result Type: General)
Description: An interactive tool for students finding and comparing colleges with info on college costs, graduation rates, and the average amount students borrow.
Resource Type: Web Resource or Tool
Compare Student Loan Repayment Plans With Our Student Loan Calculator article(Result Type: General)
Description: Article explaining how students can use Loan Simulator—student loan repayment calculator—to figure out which loan repayment plan is right for them.
Resource Type: Article or Blog Post
Complete the Financials Section of the 2024–25 FAFSA® Form video(Result Type: General)
Description: Video explaining how students and parents can complete the financials section of the 2024–25 FAFSA form.
Resource Type: Video
Complete the Personal Circumstances and Demographics Sections of the FAFSA Form video(Result Type: General)
Description: Video explaining steps that students need to take to complete the "Student Personal Circumstances" and "Student Demographics" sections.
Resource Type: Video
Complete Your PSLF Form in 5 Easy Steps video(Result Type: General)
Description: Video providing steps to complete the PSLF form using the PSLF Help Tool.
Resource Type: Video
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's financial path to graduation tool(Result Type: General)
Description: Web tool helping students to determine each school's net price–their actual out-of-pocket cost.
Resource Type: Web Resource or Tool
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's Student Loan Debt Collection Assistant(Result Type: General)
Description: Online tool providing information and advice on paying off student loans.
Resource Type: Web Resource or Tool
Create and Access Your StudentAid.gov Account video(Result Type: General)
Description: Video detailing how to create a StudentAid.gov account.
Resource Type: Video
Creating and Using Your StudentAid.gov Account: An Overview*(Result Type: PPT)
Description: Presentation providing an overview of the StudentAid.gov account, including how to create it, where it can be used, and how to troubleshoot some common errors. [15.8 MB]
Resource Type: Presentation
Creating Your StudentAid.gov Account(Result Type: General)
Description: Web page explaining how to create a StudentAid.gov account and how to figure out which parent(s) need accounts to contribute to the student's FAFSA form.
Resource Type: Web Resource or Tool
Also Available in: PDF(Result Type: PDF), Spanish(Result Type: General)
Direct Subsidized Loans vs. Direct Unsubsidized Loan article(Result Type: General)
Description: Article for students explaining how to compare Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans.
Resource Type: Article or Blog Post
Do my parent(s) need a StudentAid.gov account for the FAFSA® form? graphic*(Result Type: IMG)
Description: Graphic for students to help them determine if their parent(s) need a StudentAid.gov account to complete the FAFSA form.
Resource Type: Infographic
Also Available in: Text version (Result Type: General), Spanish*(Result Type: IMG), Text version - Spanish(Result Type: General)
Do You Need Money for College or Career/Trade School?(Result Type: PDF)
Description: Publication providing students with information on applying for aid, types of federal student aid, and eligibility. [404 KB]
Resource Type: Handout
Also Available in: Text Version(Result Type: General), Spanish(Result Type: PDF), Text Version - Spanish(Result Type: General)
Don't Miss Out on Federal Pell Grants article(Result Type: General)
Description: Article explaining Federal Pell Grants, a type of grant that provides funds to help pay for college or career school.
Resource Type: Article or Blog Post
Educational and Training Vouchers for Current and Former Foster Care Youth(Result Type: General)
Description: Web page informing current and former foster care youth about the Chafee Foster Care Independence Program's Educational and Training Vouchers.
Resource Type: Web Resource or Tool
Eligibility for Federal Student Aid graphic(Result Type: PDF)
Description: Graphic laying out the criteria that determine a student's eligibility for federal student aid. [3.36 MB]
Resource Type: Infographic
Also Available in: Text version(Result Type: General), Spanish(Result Type: PDF), Text Version - Spanish(Result Type: General)
FAFSA Changes — Student Aid Index(Result Type: General)
Description: Web page discussing the change to Student Aid Index.
Resource Type: Web Resource or Tool
FAFSA Changes FAQs(Result Type: General)
Description: Web page providing answers to frequently asked questions to help college access professionals understand the FAFSA changes.
Resource Type: Web Resource or Tool
FAFSA Changes: An Overview webinar (May 2023)(Result Type: General)
Description: Webinar informing school counselors and college access professionals about changes to FAFSA form and process starting the 2024–25 award year.
Resource Type: Webinar or Audio File
FAFSA Completion Data(Result Type: General)
Description: Federal Student Aid's Data Center web page informing counselors on FAFSA completion based on high school, postsecondary school, and state.
Resource Type: Web Resource or Tool
FAFSA Corrections, Unusual and Special Financial Circumstances webinar (January 2025)(Result Type: General)
Description: Webinar instructing students on making FAFSA corrections and navigating unusual and special circumstances.
Resource Type: Webinar or Audio File
fafsa.gov(Result Type: General)
Description: The official online form for federal student aid for college or career school. Submit the form online, make corrections, and check application status.
Resource Type: Web Resource or Tool
Also Available in: Spanish(Result Type: General)
FAFSA® Guide for Chinese (Mandarin) Speakers*(Result Type: PDF)
Description: Guide helping Chinese (Mandarin) speakers fill out the online 2025–26 FAFSA form found at fafsa.gov.
Resource Type: How-To Guide
FAFSA® Changes Overview (Result Type: PDF)
Description: Fact sheet highlighting key info college access professionals need to know to help prepare students and parents for the changes to the FAFSA process.
Resource Type: Handout
FAFSA® Guide for Chinese (Cantonese) Speakers*(Result Type: PDF)
Description: Guide helping Chinese (Cantonese) speakers fill out the online 2025–26 FAFSA form found at fafsa.gov.
Resource Type: How-To Guide
FAFSA® Guide for French Speakers*(Result Type: PDF)
Description: Guide helping French speakers fill out the online 2025–26 FAFSA form found at fafsa.gov.
Resource Type: How-To Guide
FAFSA® Guide for Korean Speakers(Result Type: General)
Description: Guide helping Korean speakers fill out the online 2025–26 FAFSA form found at fafsa.gov.
Resource Type: How-To Guide
FAFSA® Guide for Russian Speakers(Result Type: General)
Description: Guide helping Russian speakers fill out the online 2025–26 FAFSA form found at fafsa.gov.
Resource Type: How-To Guide
FAFSA® Guide for Tagalog Speakers*(Result Type: PDF)
Description: Guide helping Tagalog speakers fill out the online 2025–26 FAFSA form found at fafsa.gov.
Resource Type: How-To Guide
FAFSA® Guide for Vietnamese Speakers*(Result Type: PDF)
Description: Guide helping Vietnamese speakers fill out the online 2025–26 FAFSA form found at fafsa.gov.
Resource Type: How-To Guide
FAFSA® Help(Result Type: General)
Description: Web page providing students and parents with answers to questions about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form and process.
Resource Type: Web Resource or Tool
Also Available in: Spanish(Result Type: General)
FAFSA® Resources and How To Avoid Financial Aid Scams (October 2024)(Result Type: General)
Description: Webinar informing students about Federal Student Aid resources (e.g., Who's My FAFSA Parent? wizard) and how to avoid financial aid scams.
Resource Type: Webinar or Audio File
FAFSA® Tips for Unaccompanied Homeless Youth(Result Type: General)
Description: Web page informing unaccompanied homeless youth on how to fill out and complete the FAFSA form.
Resource Type: Web Resource or Tool
Federal Student Aid and Identity Theft(Result Type: PDF)
Description: Ways to avoid identity theft during the student aid process. [44 KB]
Resource Type: Handout
Related: Don't Get Scammed on Your Way to College(Result Type: PDF)
Federal Student Aid Estimator(Result Type: General)
Description: An aid calculator giving students an early estimate of federal student aid eligibility and helping them understand their options for paying for college.
Resource Type: Web Resource or Tool
Also Available in: Spanish(Result Type: General)
Federal Student Aid Glossary(Result Type: General)
Description: Online glossary defining frequently used terms in federal student aid.
Resource Type: Glossary, Web Resource or Tool
Federal Student Aid's Facebook Page(Result Type: General)
Description: Official Federal Student Aid Facebook posts about the financial aid process. Share with students, borrowers, and parents.
Resource Type: Social Media Content
Federal Student Aid's FSA Outreach YouTube Channel(Result Type: General)
Description: Videos providing students, borrowers, and college access professionals with information about Federal Student Aid's programs, tools, and resources.
Resource Type: Social Media Content, Webinar or Audio File, Video
Federal Student Aid's Instagram Page(Result Type: General)
Description: Official Federal Student Aid Instagram posts about the financial aid process. Share information with the students, borrowers, and parents who follow you.
Resource Type: Social Media Content
Federal Student Aid's LinkedIn Page(Result Type: General)
Description: Official Federal Student Aid LinkedIn posts about the financial aid process. Share information with the students, borrowers, and parents who follow you.
Resource Type: Social Media Content
Federal Student Aid's X Page(Result Type: General)
Description: Official Federal Student Aid post about the financial aid process; repost to share information with the students, borrowers, and parents who follow you.
Resource Type: Social Media Content
Federal Student Aid's YouTube Channel(Result Type: General)
Description: Videos to inform students and parents about the financial aid process, including applying for aid and repaying federal student loans.
Resource Type: Social Media Content, Video
Federal Student Aid: Find the Info You Need(Result Type: PDF)
Description: List of financial aid topics and where to find information about them. Includes the FAFSA® process, types of aid, repaying loans, grad school, and parents. [143.61 KB]
Resource Type: Handout
Filling Out the FAFSA® Form(Result Type: General)
Description: Web page providing students with information about filling out the FAFSA® form and applying for federal student aid.
Resource Type: Web Resource or Tool
Also Available in: Spanish(Result Type: General)
Financial Aid and College Preparation Resources for Native Americans(Result Type: PDF)
Description: Fact sheet providing list of resources that Native Americans can use to learn about preparing for and paying for college. [50 KB]
Resource Type: Handout
Financial Aid Bootcamp: How To Prepare for the 2024–25 FAFSA Form webinar (October 2023)(Result Type: General)
Description: Webinar informing students and parents how to prepare for starting and completing the 2024–25 FAFSA form.
Resource Type: Webinar or Audio File
Financial Aid Dictionary: Top Terms Related to Grants, Work-Study, and Student Loans article(Result Type: General)
Description: Article providing simple definitions for the terms that students and borrowers search for the most.
Resource Type: Article or Blog Post
Financial Aid Toolkit fact sheet(Result Type: PDF)
Description: Highlights of FinancialAidToolkit.ed.gov, a site for school counselors, college access advisers, and others who help students find money for college. [380 KB]
Resource Type: Handout
Find the Right School for You with the College Scorecard video(Result Type: General)
Description: Video for students explaining how to use College Scorecard and compare important information for up to 10 colleges or career schools.
Resource Type: Video
Finding Money for College or Career School*(Result Type: PPT)
Description: Presentation providing students with a basic introduction to types of financial aid and how to apply for federal student aid using the FAFSA form. [371 KB]
Resource Type: Presentation
Gather Information Required To Complete the FAFSA® Form video(Result Type: General)
Description: Video describing required documents and information that students will need to fill out the FAFSA form.
Resource Type: Video
Get Scholarship Help With These Basics and Tips article(Result Type: General)
Description: Article explaining the basics of scholarships and providing students with tips on how to apply.
Resource Type: Article or Blog Post
Getting a Federal Student Loan graphic(Result Type: PDF)
Description: Graphic guiding students through the steps of getting a federal student loan. [1.06 MB]
Resource Type: Infographic
Also Available in: Text version(Result Type: General), Spanish (Result Type: PDF), Text Version - Spanish(Result Type: General)
Getting Started With a StudentAid.gov Account webinar (October 2024)(Result Type: General)
Description: Webinar informing students and parents about what a StudentAid.gov account is and how to create one.
Resource Type: Webinar or Audio File
How Do I Complete the 2024–25 FAFSA® Form If My Parent Is a Noncitizen? video(Result Type: General)
Description: Video explaining how students can complete the 2024–25 FAFSA form if their parent is a noncitizen.
Resource Type: Video
How Financial Aid Works graphic(Result Type: PDF)
Description: Graphic outlining the financial aid process for students. [953 KB]
Resource Type: Infographic
How To Avoid Student Loan Forgiveness Scams article(Result Type: General)
Description: Article explaining the most common student loan forgiveness scams, how to avoid them, and what borrowers can to do if they think they've been scammed.
Resource Type: Article or Blog Post
How to Avoid Summer Melt: 4 Tips for Incoming Freshmen article(Result Type: General)
Description: Article outlining tips to avoid "summer melt"— when students are accepted into college but never arrive in the fall.
Resource Type: Article or Blog Post
How To Compare Financial Aid Offers and Schools webinar (February 2024)(Result Type: General)
Description: Webinar helping students understand how to evaluate schools' financial aid offers and compare costs.
Resource Type: Webinar or Audio File
How To Complete Exit Counseling video(Result Type: General)
Description: Video providing a step-by-step guide on exit counseling— a course to help borrowers understand their responsibilities when repaying federal student loans.
Resource Type: Video
How To Complete the 2024–25 FAFSA Form If My Parents Are Divorced or Separated video(Result Type: General)
Description: Video explaining how students can complete the 2024–25 FAFSA form if their parents are divorced or separated.
Resource Type: Video
How To Complete the FAFSA® Form When You Have Multiple Children article(Result Type: General)
Description: Article explaining steps parents will take when filling out the FAFSA form if they have more than one child in college or career school.
Resource Type: Article or Blog Post
How To Create a StudentAid.gov Account If I Don't Have a Social Security Number video(Result Type: General)
Description: Video explaining how create to an account if the contributor doesn't have a Social Security number.
Resource Type: Video
How to Create an Account and Username (FSA ID) for StudentAid.gov video(Result Type: General)
Description: Explains what an FSA ID is and why you need one, and provides the step-by-step process of creating an FSA ID.
Resource Type: Video
How to Deduct Student Loan Interest on Your Taxes (1098-E) article(Result Type: General)
Description: Article telling borrowers how to report student loan interest payments from the IRS Form 1098-E on their federal taxes to potentially get a deduction.
Resource Type: Article or Blog Post
How To Evaluate Your Aid Offers article(Result Type: General)
Description: Article detailing what students need to know for reviewing, interpreting, and comparing financial aid offers.
Resource Type: Article or Blog Post
How To Prep for Student Loan Repayment video(Result Type: General)
Description: Video explaining key terms, federal student loan types, and repayment.
Resource Type: Video
How To Regain Access to Your FSA ID (Account Username and Password) video(Result Type: General)
Description: Video explaining how students can regain access to their FSA ID by retrieving their forgotten username or resetting their forgotten password.
Resource Type: Video
How To Select an Affordable Repayment Plan and Avoid Default webinar (October 2023)(Result Type: General)
Description: Webinar explaining ways to avoid and get out of default for federal student loan borrowers.
Resource Type: Webinar or Audio File
How To Select the Best College Using the College Scorecard (October 2023)(Result Type: General)
Description: Webinar guiding students on how to use the College Scorecard for finding and comparing colleges.
Resource Type: Webinar or Audio File
How To Submit a 2024–25 FAFSA® Form webinar (March 2024)(Result Type: General)
Description: Webinar offering guidance on completing and submitting the 2024–25 FAFSA form.
Resource Type: Webinar or Audio File
IDR Loan Forgiveness webinar (April 2024)(Result Type: General)
Description: Webinar explaining income-driven repayment plans and loan forgiveness for federal student loans.
Resource Type: Webinar or Audio File
International Students Wishing To Attend College in the United States (Result Type: General)
Description: Web page informing international students wishing to study in the U.S. about financial aid eligibility rules, visa rules, and required standardized tests.
Resource Type: Web Resource or Tool
Introducing Aid Summary video(Result Type: General)
Description: Video providing an overview of Dashboard's Aid Summary section.
Resource Type: Video
Introducing Our Loan Simulator Tool video(Result Type: General)
Description: Video providing an overview of Loan Simulator, a tool to help students and borrowers with their federal student loan decisions.
Resource Type: Video
Is My Parent A Contributor When I Fill Out My FAFSA® Form? graphic(Result Type: IMG)
Description: Graphic helping dependent students determine which parent(s) is considered a contributor and must provide information on the FAFSA form..
Resource Type: Infographic
Also Available in: Text version(Result Type: General), Spanish(Result Type: IMG), Text version - Spanish(Result Type: General)
Loan Repayment Checklist(Result Type: General)
Description: Checklist helping borrowers manage and repay their federal student loans.
Resource Type: Web Resource or Tool
Loan Simulator(Result Type: General)
Description: Online tool helping borrowers calculate federal student loan payments and choose a loan repayment option that best meets their needs and goals.
Resource Type: Web Resource or Tool
Money Management Checklist for College Students(Result Type: PDF)
Description: Checklist helping students manage their financial lives while in school. [45 KB]
Resource Type: Handout
Navigating the 2025–26 FAFSA Form for Dependent Students (December 2024)(Result Type: General)
Description: Webinar guiding dependent students and their contributor(s) on how to complete the 2025–26 FAFSA form.
Resource Type: Webinar or Audio File
Navigating the 2025–26 FAFSA Form for Independent Students (December 2024)(Result Type: General)
Description: Webinar guiding independent students on how to complete the 2025–26 FAFSA form.
Resource Type: Webinar or Audio File
Overview of Federal Repayment Plans webinar (January 2024)(Result Type: General)
Description: Webinar detailing the different federal student loan repayment options for borrowers.
Resource Type: Webinar or Audio File
Overview of StudentAid.gov webinar (January 2024)(Result Type: General)
Description: Webinar providing students, parents, borrowers, and college access professionals with an overview of StudentAid.gov and how to find information.
Resource Type: Webinar or Audio File
Parent Guide to Federal Financial Aid webinar (February 2024)(Result Type: General)
Description: Webinar helping parents understand the financial aid process.
Resource Type: Webinar or Audio File
Play It Safe: Protect Yourself From Student Loan Scams video(Result Type: General)
Description: Video detailing how to avoid scams and what borrowers can do if they think they've been scammed.
Resource Type: Video
PLUS Loans: What to Do if You're Denied Based on Adverse Credit History article(Result Type: General)
Description: Article telling parents and graduate students what to do if their Direct PLUS Loan application is denied due to an adverse credit history.
Resource Type: Article or Blog Post
Poster Template(Result Type: DOC)
Description: This poster template can be used by organizations to create fliers for upcoming financial aid events. [0.98 MB]
Resource Type: Template
Related: Print Ad Template(Result Type: DOC), Presentation Template(Result Type: PPT)
Presentation Template(Result Type: PPT)
Description: This presentation template may be used by organizations to create their own financial aid presentations. [2.09 MB]
Resource Type: Presentation, Template
Related: Print Ad Template(Result Type: DOC), Poster Template(Result Type: DOC)
Print Ad Template(Result Type: DOC)
Description: This print ad template can be used by organizations to create advertisements for upcoming financial aid events. [0.98 MB]
Resource Type: Template
Related: Poster Template(Result Type: DOC), Presentation Template(Result Type: PPT)
PSLF Help Tool(Result Type: General)
Description: Online tool helping borrowers understand PSLF and what is needed to participate and possibly have their loans forgiven.
Resource Type: Web Resource or Tool
Public Service Loan Forgiveness graphic(Result Type: PDF)
Description: Graphic that highlights the requirements for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. [1.72 MB]
Resource Type: Infographic
Also Available in: Text Version(Result Type: General)
Responsible Borrowing video(Result Type: General)
Description: Video explaining responsible borrowing, loan repayment, and what borrowers should consider when taking out a loan for college or career school.
Resource Type: Video
Also Available in: Spanish-captioned video(Result Type: VIDEO)
Review, Sign, and Submit Your 2024–25 FAFSA® Form video(Result Type: General)
Description: Video explaining the steps that students need to take to review, sign, and submit their 2024–25 FAFSA form.
Resource Type: Video
Saving Early = Saving Smart! Watch Your Money Grow With Your Child(Result Type: PDF)
Description: Fact sheet providing parents with tips on saving money for college or career school. [40 KB]
Resource Type: Handout
Also Available in: Spanish(Result Type: PDF)
School Guide for Implementing a 2024 StudentAid.gov Account Creation Campaign(Result Type: PDF)
Description: Guide helping counselors start email and event campaigns encouraging high school seniors to create StudentAid.gov accounts before the FAFSA form launches. [105 KB]
Resource Type: How-To Guide
School Search(Result Type: General)
Description: Online tool for students comparing important information like tuition amounts and graduation rates between colleges and career schools.
Resource Type: Web Resource or Tool
Also Available in: Spanish(Result Type: General)
Select Schools To Include on Your 2024–25 FAFSA® Form video(Result Type: General)
Description: Video explaining what information students need to add colleges and career schools to their 2024–25 FAFSA form.
Resource Type: Video
So Your Loan Was Transferred, What's Next? article (Result Type: General)
Description: Article providing information borrowers need to know if their federal student loans are being transferred to a new servicer.
Resource Type: Article or Blog Post
Special Student Populations and Circumstances: 2024–25 FAFSA® Form (June 2023)(Result Type: General)
Description: Webinar providing college access professionals with information on how students can request adjustments due to special and unusual circumstances.
Resource Type: Webinar or Audio File
Start Your FAFSA® Form video(Result Type: General)
Description: Video explaining what students can expect when starting the FAFSA form.
Resource Type: Video
Student Loan Forgiveness (and Other Ways the Government Can Help You Repay Your Loans) article(Result Type: General)
Description: Article detailing ways borrowers could have their federal student loans forgiven or get help repaying them.
Resource Type: Article or Blog Post
Student Loan Repayment Options video(Result Type: General)
Description: Video providing an overview of federal student loan repayment options for borrowers. Includes info on loan consolidation, repayment plans, auto debit, and loan servicers.
Resource Type: Video
StudentAid.gov Account Email Template for High School Students(Result Type: PDF)
Description: Sample email content for high school students about creating a StudentAid.gov account to complete the FAFSA form. [258 KB]
Resource Type: Email Content
Students With Unusual Circumstances(Result Type: PDF)
Description: Fact sheet explaining what unusual circumstances are, what changed on the FAFSA form, and what happens after the student applies for aid.
Resource Type: Handout
Suggested Email Language About Loans and Repayment for Undergraduate Borrowers(Result Type: DOC)
Description: Document that provides email language financial aid administrators and counselors can use in messaging to graduating students with loans. [30 KB]
Resource Type: Email Content
Tackling the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Form: Employer Tips article(Result Type: General)
Description: Article providing information and resources borrowers need to certify their employer and submit their signature.
Resource Type: Article or Blog Post
The Student Aid Index (SAI) Explained(Result Type: PDF)
Description: Graphic explaining what an SAI is, how it is calculated and used, when the student receives it, and where it is found.
Resource Type: Infographic
The StudentAid.gov Account Overview webinar (December 2024)(Result Type: General)
Description: Webinar featuring an overview of the StudentAid.gov account and information about accessing your federal student aid information.
Resource Type: Webinar or Audio File
Top 4 Questions: Direct Subsidized Loans vs. Direct Unsubsidized Loans article(Result Type: General)
Description: Article for students explaining how to compare Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans.
Resource Type: Article or Blog Post
Trouble Making Your Federal Student Loan Payments? graphic(Result Type: IMG)
Description: Graphic for federal student loan borrowers providing information on what to do if they are having trouble making their student loan payments. [3.95 MB]
Resource Type: Infographic
Also Available in: PDF(Result Type: PDF), Text Version(Result Type: General), Spanish(Result Type: IMG), PDF - Spanish(Result Type: PDF), Text Version - Spanish(Result Type: General)
Troubleshooting Your StudentAid.gov Account(Result Type: General)
Description: Video helping students and parents regain access to their StudentAid.gov account.
Resource Type: Video
Types of Federal Student Aid graphic(Result Type: IMG)
Description: Graphic for students and parents detailing the three types of federal student aid, other financial aid sources, and the FAFSA form. [276 KB]
Resource Type: Infographic
Also Available in: Spanish(Result Type: IMG), Text Version(Result Type: General), Text Version - Spanish(Result Type: General)
Types of Federal Student Aid Graphic (Short Version)(Result Type: IMG)
Description: Simple graphic showing the three types of federal student aid (grants, loans, work-study) for college or career school. Lists URLs for details and FAFSA. [109 KB]
Resource Type: Infographic
Also Available in: Spanish(Result Type: IMG), Text Version(Result Type: PDF), Text Version - Spanish(Result Type: PDF)
Related: Types of Federal Student Aid Graphic(Result Type: IMG)
Types of Federal Student Aid video(Result Type: General)
Description: Video explaining different types of federal student aid (grants, work-study funds, and loans) available to students.
Resource Type: Video
Also Available in: Spanish-captioned video(Result Type: VIDEO)
U.S. Department of Labor Scholarship Finder(Result Type: General)
Description: Free scholarship search tool for students finding scholarships along with information on how to apply.
Resource Type: Web Resource or Tool
Understand and Prepare FAFSA® Form Contributors video(Result Type: General)
Description: Video helping students understand who may be identified as a contributor on their FAFSA form.
Resource Type: Video
Understanding Financial Aid Offers and Special and Unusual Circumstances webinar (May 2024)(Result Type: General)
Description: Webinar informing students about how to evaluate and accept aid offers.
Resource Type: Webinar or Audio File
Understanding the New FAFSA Submission Summary webinar (February 2024)(Result Type: General)
Description: Webinar explaining the FAFSA Submission Summary—an electronic or paper document that summarizes the information reported on the FAFSA form.
Resource Type: Webinar or Audio File
Undocumented Students and Financial Aid(Result Type: General)
Description: Web page providing answers to frequently asked questions about financial aid for undocumented students and DACA recipients..
Resource Type: Web Resource or Tool
Also Available in: Spanish(Result Type: General)
Use Loan Simulator To Find the Right Repayment Plan for You video(Result Type: General)
Description: Video explaining how borrowers can use the Loan Simulator to find a student loan repayment plan.
Resource Type: Video
Ways To Pay for College and Career School webinar (October 2024)(Result Type: General)
Description: Webinar describing different types of financial aid to help students pay for college or career school.
Resource Type: Webinar or Audio File
What Does It Mean To Provide Consent and Approval on the FAFSA Form? video(Result Type: General)
Description: Video explaining what students and their contributors agree to when providing consent and approval on the FAFSA form.
Resource Type: Video
What Happens After Submitting Your FAFSA® Form? video(Result Type: General)
Description: Video explaining what students can expect after submitting the FAFSA form.
Resource Type: Video
What Happens After Your FAFSA® Form Is Processed? video(Result Type: General)
Description: Video explaining what students can expect after their FAFSA form is processed.
Resource Type: Video
What Is FAFSA®? video(Result Type: General)
Description: Video describing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form—the form used to apply for federal student aid.
Resource Type: Video
What is Interest Capitalization? video(Result Type: General)
Description: Video explaining how interest capitalization works for federal student loans.
Resource Type: Video
What to Know About Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program Loans article(Result Type: General)
Description: Article explaining FFEL Program loans and how our relief programs affect borrowers if they have one.
Resource Type: Article or Blog Post
What To Know About Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) Plans for Student Loans video(Result Type: General)
Description: Video explaining what IDR plans are and how they adjust based on the borrower's income and family size.
Resource Type: Video
What You Need To Know About the FAFSA Submission Summary article(Result Type: General)
Description: Article explaining the FAFSA Submission Summary and how to review it.
Resource Type: Article or Blog Post
What's Changed for the 2024–25 FAFSA® Form? video(Result Type: General)
Description: Video outlining the major changes and improvements coming to the 2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form.
Resource Type: Video
Where's My Financial Aid? video(Result Type: General)
Description: Video explaining when and how students will receive their financial aid.
Resource Type: Video
Who Is a Contributor on the FAFSA® Form? video(Result Type: General)
Description: Video describing a what a contributor is and their role on the FAFSA form.
Resource Type: Video
Who needs a StudentAid.gov account for the FAFSA® form? (student and parent)*(Result Type: IMG)
Description: Graphic for students and parents to help them determine which contributors need a StudentAid.gov account to complete the FAFSA form.
Resource Type: Infographic
Also Available in: Text version (Result Type: General), Spanish*(Result Type: IMG), Text version - Spanish(Result Type: General)
Who needs a StudentAid.gov account for the FAFSA® form? (student) graphic*(Result Type: IMG)
Description: Graphic for students to help them determine which contributor needs a StudentAid.gov account to complete their FAFSA form.
Resource Type: Infographic
Also Available in: Text version (Result Type: General), Spanish*(Result Type: IMG), Text version - Spanish(Result Type: General)
Who's My FAFSA Parent? wizard(Result Type: General)
Description: Online tool helping dependent students identify which parent(s) will be a required contributor on their FAFSA form.
Resource Type: Web Resource or Tool
Also Available in: Spanish(Result Type: General)
Why Do My Contributors and I Need Our Own Accounts for the FAFSA Form? video(Result Type: General)
Description: Video explaining why students and their contributors need StudentAid.gov accounts to access and complete the FAFSA form.
Resource Type: Video
Why should I complete the 2024–25 FAFSA form? webinar (February 2024)(Result Type: General)
Description: Webinar providing students with an overview of federal student aid programs and the FAFSA form.
Resource Type: Webinar or Audio File
Your Guide to Student Loan Repayment Plans video(Result Type: General)
Description: Video explaining the different federal student loan repayment plans for borrowers.
Resource Type: Video