What is the FASFA?

FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Its purpose is to give students seeking higher education past high school a way of receiving financial aid from the government in the form of grants, loans, and work-study funds.

What is the difference between the aid types?

When a grant is given, that means there is no payback charge. In simple terms, you do not have to pay the money back. On the other hand, a loan must be paid back, typically with interest over time. There are two types of loans: subsidized, and unsubsidized. A subsidized loan’s interest is paid by the government during your “grace period” which could be the time you spend getting your education as well as some months after. An unsubsidized loan allows for more financial flexibility, but the interest is not covered by the government during any period. The last type of aid is a work-study, in which students can work for their educational institution in place of taking a loan. These on-campus jobs are made to be flexible with a student’s class schedule as well as their financial needs.

For how long is the FASFA open?

The 2026-27 FAFSA opened on September 24, 2025, and will close on May 15, 2026 for Florida residents. It is recommended that applicants fill out the form as early as possible, so they can access available aid as it is provided on a first-come, first-serve basis.

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