The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is a form that high school seniors and college students complete to be considered for financial aid, including Pell Grants, federal work-study programs, federal student loans, and state or school financial aid awards. After you submit your FAFSA, you’ll receive a FAFSA Submission Summary from the office of Federal Student Aid within a few days (online) or two weeks (mail). How to apply You can complete the FAFSA in one of two ways: Online (recommended): Complete it at studentaid.gov Paper: Fill out the FAFSA PDF form, print it, and mail it You’ll need an FSA ID — a unique username and password — to log in and sign your form electronically.