FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is your first step in applying for financial aid. This is your application for federal grants, federal student loans and work-study funds. It is also used to determine eligibility for the WV Higher Education Grant and required for other state aid programs, such as the Promise Scholarship and WV Invests Grant. Many institutions also use the FAFSA to determine eligibility for institutional financial aid.
FAFSA Overview
Check out this overview of how the FAFSA can help you finance your education with money from the federal government, your state, and school; understand when to apply; and find out what you’ll need to fill it out.
You can learn more about the FAFSA and complete it at StudentAid.gov!
Applications
Make sure you complete the correct year FAFSA for the academic year you are attending college during.
- The 2025-2026 FAFSA for the 2025-2026 academic year is available until June 30, 2026.
- The 2026-2027 FAFSA for the 2026-2027 academic year will open October 1, 2025.
Learn more about How to Complete the FAFSA at StudentAid.gov.
Corrections
If you need to make corrections or add signatures, learn how with these How to Correct or Update your FAFSA instructions.
StudentAid.gov Account (formerly FSA ID)
If you have never completed a FAFSA, you will first create a StudentAid.gov Account. If you have a StudentAid.gov account, you will simply log in with your username and password. Learn more about creating or accessing your account here.
Are you a dependent or independent student?
Knowing the answer to this before completing the FAFSA will make the process easier. Determine your student type at StudentAid.gov.
If you are a dependent student, use the Parent Wizard to determine which parent or parents will participate in completing your FAFSA as a contributor. Tip: The student should complete the FAFSA first and invite the parent(s) to contribute at the designated point in the application.
Who is eligible to apply?
Wondering if you’re eligible, check out this graphic to learn who is eligible for federal student aid.
Don’t get scammed!
Avoid scams and paying for free services when you’re searching for scholarships, filling out the FAFSA and sharing your personal information. Check out these tips to avoid financial aid fraud!