The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a crucial resource for students and families seeking financial support for college or any post-secondary education option.

By filling out the FAFSA, students open the door to federal grants, work-study programs, and loans that make higher education more affordable. Many states, colleges, and universities also use FAFSA data to determine eligibility for additional financial aid, including scholarships.

Submitting the FAFSA early increases the chances of receiving the maximum amount of aid. Whether you think you qualify for aid or not, completing the FAFSA is a smart step toward planning your student’s education and reducing the financial burden of college.

Allow yourself plenty of time to fill out the form, and before you get started make sure you have the following information/documents available to you:

• Parent’s name, date of birth, social security number, and email address
• Income and asset information (tax returns, child support, current balances, investments)
• Student’s social security number

Through our Career, Technical, and Adult Education Department, students have the ability to connect and work with Program Advisors. These staff members work with high school seniors across our district to not only help them successfully earn their diplomas, but also find the best next step in life for them.

Through collaborative meetings, Program Advisors can help students with the financial aid application process in addition to providing one-on-one personalized input tailored to a student’s specific skillset and passions.

We currently have 14 advisors who will travel to 26 of our high schools and two career acceleration academies. Please note, if you have a student located at Brandon and King High Schools, they may utilize their SCOPE (Student Center of Post-Secondary Exploration) rooms on campus for similar services.

Financial Aid and Undocumented Students

• https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out/undocumented-students
• This webpage answers a number of frequently asked questions about undocumented students and financial aid.

Financial Aid Tips for Unique Student Populations

• https://www.nasfaa.org/Unique_Student_Circumstances
• These handouts prepare counselors and volunteers to provide assistance to students in unique situations, including wards of the court, foster youth, single parents and more.

Hillsborough County Public Schools will offer FAFSA Information Nights for families across our district. These nights will cover basic financial aid information and familiarize parents and students with the FAFSA form.

High school site locations and dates will be announced soon. Please check back for the latest information.