On December 1, 2025 the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opened, providing an opportunity for high school seniors and college students to gain financial aid for higher education.

   According to a website on student financial aid, “Colleges and career schools use the FAFSA form to determine how much financial aid you’re eligible to receive, which could include grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans” (studentaid.gov)

   Any student can apply for the FAFSA, according to the website, regardless of their income. Theta argue it should take less than an hour to complete, including gathering any financial information and personal documents needed (studentaid.gov).

   “There is no income cut-off to qualify for federal student aid. Many factors — such as the size of your family and your year in school — are considered” (studentaid.gov).

   According to a website on college financial aid, “A subsidized loan is when the Federal government pays the interest during the time you’re in school. These loans are available to students from lower income families. An unsubsidized loan is where the student is responsible for paying the interest. The government uses the information from your FAFSA to decide whether your student loan is subsidized or unsubsidized – you do not have to apply separately for one or the other” (collegemoneymatters.org).