Is It Too Late to File the FAFSA?

Flickr user Marco Verch

Deadlines can be stressful, more so when you are juggling multiple. High school seniors come up against numerous deadlines: papers, scholarships, and college apps. One of the most important is the FAFSA deadline. You miss this one, and you’re missing out on all types of financial aid that can help lower the cost of college.

The FAFSA Deadline

Until October 2016, the FAFSA deadline used to be so firm it was practically set in stone, and it was always the same day: January 1 of whatever year you were intending to apply. This date has changed, however, and students may begin filling out their FAFSA as early as October 1 of the current calendar year. The deadline to complete your application and make sure it has been received is midnight, Central Time, June 30.

The Importance of the FAFSA

The FAFSA is more than just federal loans. You also need it to qualify for grants, scholarships, work study programs, and other institutional aid. Failing to file the FAFSA means you will forfeit all of these federal funding opportunities so make sure you file your FAFSA ASAP, and complete it prior to June 30.

And after you exhaust all of your federal and gift aid opportunities, you may need a private student loan to cover the rest. With College Raptor’s free Student Loan Finder, you can compare loans from various lenders side by side to find the ideal loan for you.

 

Lender	Rates (APR)	Eligibility
	5.99%-16.61%* Variable 4.24%-15.61%* Fixed	Undergraduate and Graduate	VISIT CITIZENS
	5.37% - 15.70% Variable 3.99% - 15.49% Fixed	Undergraduate and Graduate	VISIT SALLIE MAE
	5.37% - 17.99% Variable 3.79% - 17.99% Fixed	Undergraduate and Graduate	VISIT CREDIBLE
	5.98% - 13.74% Variable 3.99% - 12.61% Fixed	Undergraduate and Graduate	VISIT LENDKEY
	5.99% - 15.85% Variable 3.79% - 15.41% Fixed	Undergraduate and Graduate	VISIT ASCENT
	3.70% - 8.75% Fixed	Undergraduate and Graduate	VISIT ISL
	5.62% - 16.85% Variable 4.17% - 16.49% Fixed	Undergraduate and Graduate	VISIT EARNEST
	6.00% - 14.22% Variable 4.50% - 14.22% Fixed	Undergraduate and Graduate	VISIT ELFI

College Raptor is not a loan lender and does not assume responsibility for suggesting a loan to a user who may not be eligible for it. Rates, terms, conditions, eligibility, approval, and other considerations are the decisions of the lenders and may vary depending on which lender or marketplace the user selects. We urge users to carefully consider and review all loan options and terms before committing to taking out a loan.