Get prepared with FAFSA assistant
The first step in determining your eligibility for college financial aid is to complete the FAFSA® (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Just answer a few questions in this interactive tool, and we’ll help get you ready to complete the FAFSA application with tips and guidance based on your personal situation.
Are you an eligible noncitizen?
Typically, you are considered an eligible noncitizen if you are one of the following:
- A US permanent resident with a Permanent Resident Card (also known as a "green card")
- A conditional permanent resident (I-551C)
- An eligible noncitizen with an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) from the Department of Homeland Security showing any one of the following designations: "Refugee," "Asylum Granted," "Indefinite Parole," "Humanitarian Parole," or "Cuban-Haitian Entrant"
- A citizen of the Republic of Palau (PW), the Republic of the Marshall Islands (MH), or the Federated States of Micronesia (FM)
For more details on eligibility requirements, visit FAFSA.gov.
Are you on active military duty in the US Armed Forces or a veteran?
- You have engaged in active duty (including basic training) in the US Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard), served in the National Guard or Reserves and was called to active duty for purposes other than state service or training, or attended one of the US service academies
- You were released under a condition other than "dishonorable"
- Your current service will end by June 30, 2016
For more details on eligibility requirements, visit FAFSA.gov.
Are you a dependent or an independent student?
Dependent students will need to include information from their parent(s) on the FAFSA.
You are considered an independent student if you are:
- At least 24 years of age as of December 31 of the school year for which you are applying for financial aid
- Married or separated
- Supporting dependent children
- Supporting dependents other than a spouse
- A veteran or are on active military duty in the US Armed Forces
- A graduate or professional student
- An orphan or a ward of the court
- In a legal guardianship, a foster child, or an emancipated minor
- An unaccompanied youth who is homeless or at risk of being homeless
For more details on eligibility requirements, visit FAFSA.gov.
How would you best describe your family situation?
The FAFSA assistant is not an application for federal student aid and is not affiliated with the Department of Education.
The information contained here is subject to change and does not constitute legal or financial advice. This is not an actual application and does not guarantee financial aid or student loans. Discover Student Loans does not offer federal student loans and this resource is not affiliated with the Department of Education. This information may not cover all situations. We recommend you contact the Financial Aid Office for the school(s) you are interested in attending or visit FAFSA.gov for more information.
FAFSA is a registered service mark of the US Department of Education.
No purchase or loan necessary to enter or win the $5,000 scholarship.
