Do you need FAFSA for community college?

I'm planning to attend community college next year and I'm trying to figure out if completing the FAFSA is necessary. Does anyone know if community colleges typically require it for financial aid or other benefits?

Yes, you'll still want to complete the FAFSA even if you're planning to attend community college. The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is necessary for determining your financial aid eligibility at all accredited colleges, community colleges included.

Filling out the FAFSA doesn't just apply for federal aid (like Pell Grants, which you don't have to pay back, and federal student loans, which you do). The FAFSA is also often used by individual state and college aid programs to determine your eligibility for their grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and other forms of aid.

Even if you think you or your family might earn too much to qualify for need-based aid, it's still worth submitting the FAFSA. Some aid is not based on need at all, and many colleges require the FAFSA for merit-based aid. Plus, financial circumstances can change (for example, if a parent loses a job), and having the FAFSA on file can expedite the process of adjusting your aid.

In short, whether you're going to a four-year university, community college, trade school, or even considering adult education programs, the FAFSA is a universally important stepping stone for getting financial aid. It opens the door to a variety of possibilities, so fill it out and submit it as soon as you can after it opens on October 1st.