The primary reason to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is to determine your eligibility for various forms of financial aid for college or career school. Specifically, completing the FAFSA can help you access: Federal student aid: This includes federal grants like the Pell Grant (which generally doesn't need to be repaid), federal student loans (like Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans), and federal work-study programs, which offer part-time jobs to help with expenses. State financial aid: Many states use FAFSA information to award their own grants and scholarships. College/Institutional aid: Colleges and universities often use FAFSA data to determine your eligibility for their own scholarships and grants, whether need-based or merit-based. Some private scholarships: Even some private organizations offering scholarships may require you to submit the FAFSA as part of their application process. In essence, the FAFSA serves as a gateway to potentially receiving free money (grants and scholarships), low-interest loans, and work opportunities to help pay for educational expenses. Completing the FAFSA is recommended even if you think you may not qualify for need-based aid, as it opens doors to other forms of financial assistance, including federal loans.