Basic requirements to complete the FAFSA

To fill out the FAFSA, you must be a U.S. citizen or may be able to access noncitizen, have a valid Social Security number, and be enrolled or planning to enroll in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at a school that participates in federal student aid. You also need a high school diploma, GED, or homeschool completion credential — or you must be at least 24 years old and meet other requirements if you did not complete high school in the traditional way.

The FAFSA itself has no income limit. Families at any income level can complete it. However, the amount of aid you may receive depends on your family's financial situation, the cost of the school you attend, and the type of aid program. Even families who think they will not may have access to should complete the form, because some aid does not depend on income.

You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to file. may be able to access noncitizens — including permanent residents, refugees, asylees, and certain other visa holders — can complete the FAFSA. Your school's financial aid office can tell you whether your immigration status qualifies you.

Key Takeaways

  • You must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent credential to complete the FAFSA, unless you are at least 24 years old and meet alternative requirements.
  • U.S. citizens and may be able to access noncitizens with a valid Social Security number can file, regardless of income level.
  • You must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a degree program at a school that participates in federal student aid programs.
  • Some aid programs have no income limit, so completing the FAFSA can help even if you expect your family to earn too much for need-based aid.
  • Your school's financial aid office can confirm whether your specific situation meets the requirements before you start the form.

What counts as a high school credential

A traditional high school diploma is the most straightforward path. A GED (General Educational Development) certificate also meets the requirement. If you completed high school through a homeschool program, you need documentation that shows you finished the equivalent of a high school education — this might be a transcript, a letter from your parent or guardian, or a completion certificate from your homeschool program, depending on your state.

If you did not complete high school and are not yet 24, you may still be able to file if you are enrolled in a program that leads to a high school diploma or GED. Some schools will let you start college while you finish your high school credential. Talk to the financial aid office at the school where you want to enroll — they can tell you whether this path is possible and what documentation you need.

Age 24 and older without a high school diploma

If you are 24 or older and did not earn a high school diploma or GED, you can still complete the FAFSA without one. You will need to meet one of several alternative requirements instead. These include passing an approved test (such as the TABE or ASSET), having a transcript showing college coursework, or being enrolled in a program that leads to a high school credential.

The specific rules vary by school, so contact the financial aid office at the institution where you plan to study. They will tell you which alternative path applies to your situation and what paperwork to bring.

Immigration status and Social Security requirements

You must have a valid Social Security number to complete the FAFSA. If you are a U.S. citizen but do not have one, you can request one from the Social Security Administration before you file.

may be able to access noncitizens include permanent residents (green card holders), refugees, asylees, Cuban/Haitian entrants, victims of human trafficking, and certain other visa categories. Undocumented immigrants cannot complete the federal FAFSA, but some states and individual colleges offer aid through separate forms and programs. Your school's financial aid office can direct you to state or institutional aid if you are in this situation.

School enrollment and program requirements

The school where you plan to study must participate in federal student aid programs. Nearly all accredited colleges and universities do, but some specialized schools, online programs, and trade schools do not. Before you start the FAFSA, check whether your school is listed in the Federal School Code Search on the FAFSA website.

You must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a degree or certificate program that leads to a recognized credential. This includes bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, graduate degrees, and some certificate programs. The program must be at least half-time for most aid, though some grants and loans are available for part-time study.

Citizenship and noncitizen status details

U.S. citizens can file the FAFSA with no restrictions beyond the basic requirements. If you are a permanent resident, you will need your green card number. Refugees and asylees can file using their Refugee Travel Document or Asylee Travel Document.

If you hold a visa (such as F-1 for international students), you are generally not may be able to access for federal student aid through the FAFSA. However, some schools offer their own aid to international students. Contact the financial aid office at your school to learn what may be available to you.

What happens if you do not meet the requirements

If you do not meet the basic requirements, you cannot complete the federal FAFSA. However, other funding sources may still be open to you. Some states offer aid to students who are not may be able to access for federal aid. Individual colleges sometimes have their own funds for students in your situation. Scholarships from private organizations, employers, and community groups do not always require FAFSA completion.

Your school's financial aid office is the best place to start. They can tell you which requirements you do not meet, suggest alternative funding sources, and sometimes help you find a path to meeting the requirements if one exists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to complete the FAFSA?

No. may be able to access noncitizens, including permanent residents, refugees, and asylees, can complete the FAFSA. Undocumented immigrants cannot file the federal form, but some states and colleges offer aid through separate applications. Contact your school's financial aid office to learn what options may be available to you.

Can I file the FAFSA if I do not have a high school diploma yet?

If you are under 24, you must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent to file. If you are 24 or older, you can file without one if you meet an alternative requirement, such as passing an approved test or having college coursework on your transcript. Ask your school's financial aid office which alternative path works for your situation.

What if my school is not listed in the Federal School Code Search?

Your school must participate in federal student aid programs for you to receive aid through the FAFSA. If it is not listed, contact the school directly to ask whether it participates. If it does not, the school's financial aid office can tell you about other funding sources that may be available.

Do I have to be enrolled full-time to complete the FAFSA?

You can complete the FAFSA as a part-time student, but the amount of aid you receive may be lower. Most federal grants and loans require at least half-time enrollment. Your school's financial aid office can explain how your enrollment status affects the aid you may receive.

Is there an income limit to complete the FAFSA?

No. There is no income limit to fill out the FAFSA. Families at any income level should complete it, because some aid does not depend on how much money you earn. Even if you expect your family to earn too much for need-based aid, you may still be able to receive merit aid or unsubsidized loans.