How is the FAFSA process handled: Do parents or students fill it out?

I'm a junior and starting to think about college finances. I know FAFSA is a crucial step, but I'm confused about who fills it out. Is it something that I, as the student, should be doing on my own, or do my parents need to be heavily involved in the process? I want to make sure we're prepared for when the time comes to fill it out, and if there are certain sections either party is responsible for, that would be great to know. Any tips on making this whole process smoother would be greatly appreciated!

First off, it's fantastic that you're beginning to think about college finances ahead of time. Filling out FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) can indeed be a collaborative process between the student and their parents, but let me break down who handles what.

Primarily, the student should be able to fill out most of the application, which includes sections about personal information, school selection, and dependency status. The FAFSA will ask for things like your name, date of birth, address, and the schools you're considering attending. As for the section about dependency status, it refers to whether or not you are considered dependent on your parents for financial support. If you're under 24, not married, and don't have dependents of your own, you'll likely be considered a dependent student.

As a dependent student, you'll need your parents' help to complete sections related to their financial information. This is where your parents step in. They will need to provide their tax information from two years before the academic year you're applying funds for (for instance, for the 2025-2026 academic year, you would use your parents' 2023 tax information). This includes their adjusted gross income, tax return status, and other information listed on their tax return.

As for making the process smoother, here are a few tips. First, gather all the necessary documentation beforehand, like your parents' W-2 forms, tax returns, and your social security number. The FAFSA website is incredibly user-friendly and has a section-by-section guide to filling out the form. Lastly, remember that FAFSA opens every year on October 1 and certain aids are given out on a first-come, first-serve basis, so try to fill it out sooner rather than later. Hope this helps, and best of luck with your college planning!