If you ever thought about going back to college or are just exiting high school to go into college you need to fill out the FAFSA online for federal student aid to help offset the tuition if you can. I fill this out every year as I am in college part time and prefer to pay as much as I can but will take help wherever I can get it to avoid getting a loan. Their online application is really easy to fill out. Just be sure you have a copy of your tax returns, SSN, drivers license, bank statements and any business/investment paperwork from the prior year when you fill out the FAFSA. I cannot stress enough about reading through the site with their 9 Online Secrets. Some of these secrets to help you get the most our of your federal student aid include:
Reduce your adjusted gross income.
More cash or cash equivolents are the enemy when applying for federal aid.
Any assets the child has in their name negatively weighs on them.
Apply for as many scholarships and grants as possible.
Apply for your FAFSA as soon as possible at the beginning of the year.
I hated filling that thing out.