How Much Money Can You Get from the FAFSA? (2024)

FAQs

How Much Money Can You Get from the FAFSA? ›

The amount of money you can get by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) depends on your financial need. But, the maximum amount can be in the low tens of thousands of dollars per year. Average amounts are about $9,000, with less than half of that in the form of grants.

The amount of money you can get by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) depends on your financial need. But, the maximum amount can be in the low tens of thousands of dollars per year. Average amounts are about $9,000, with less than half of that in the form of grants.

Under these continuing appropriations, for the 2024-2025 award year, the maximum Pell Grant award remains fixed at $7,395.

For most students, there will not be enough financial aid to cover the full cost of tuition, unless the parents borrow a Federal Parent PLUS loan. The financial aid will be based on financial need, which is usually less than the cost of attendance.

The FAFSA is your application for federal financial aid. Some types of aid you receive through the FAFSA, like grants or scholarships, do not need to be repaid. However, federal student loans received through your FAFSA do have to be repaid with interest after you graduate or leave school.

Annual Loan Limits

If you are an undergraduate student, the maximum amount you can borrow each year in Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans ranges from $5,500 to $12,500 per year, depending on what year you are in school and your dependency status.

Can you keep extra FAFSA money? ›

Typically, issuers send your financial aid funds directly to the school, and the school then applies the money to your tuition, fees and other expenses. If there is money left over, the school will send the remainder to you, and you can use it to cover your other expenses, such as your textbooks or transportation.

What are the FAFSA income limits? A common myth is that students from high-income families won't qualify for FAFSA funding. In reality, there's no maximum income cap that determines your eligibility for aid. Although your earnings are a factor on the FAFSA, only some programs are based on need.

The FAFSA is your application for federal financial aid. Some types of aid you receive through the FAFSA, like grants or scholarships, do not need to be repaid. However, federal student loans received through your FAFSA do have to be repaid with interest after you graduate or leave school.

What does an EFC of 4000 mean? Your EFC is a dollar amount. If your EFC was 4,000 and your college costs are estimated to be only $4,000, you would not be eligible for any need-based aid.

Other reasons for financial aid disqualification include: Not maintaining satisfactory progress at your college or degree program. Not filling out the FAFSA each year you are enrolled in school. Defaulting on a student loan.

Don't worry, this is a common question for many students. The good news is that the Department of Education doesn't have an official income cutoff to qualify for federal financial aid. So, even if you think your parents' income is too high, it's still worth applying (plus, it's free to apply).