To apply for federal student aid, you need to complete the FAFSA (the Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The new FAFSA form was posted on Oct. 1, 2016.

Federal student aid covers such expenses as tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and transportation. Aid also can help pay for other related expenses, such as a computer and dependent care.

Changes to the 2017-2018 FAFSA

• The new FAFSA form is easier and faster to fill out than ever.
• As of Oct. 1, students can file for aid (a full three months earlier than previously allowed.)
• For the first time, applicants can use prior-prior year tax information when reporting personal and family income. (Previously, the FAFSA used the previous year’s tax data.)