Can you get scholarships through FAFSA?
John Thompson
Published Mar 31, 2026
Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as the FAFSA®, is the most important step you can take to get money to help pay for college. With the College Board Opportunity Scholarships, students who fill out the FAFSA will earn a chance at a scholarship.
How much scholarship can I get from FAFSA?
The maximum Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is $4,000, with an average grant of $599. Your college may also use your FAFSA® to determine eligibility for a variety of scholarships that are awarded on the basis of merit.
Do you have to fill out FAFSA to get scholarships?
Students must submit the FAFSA to access federal financial aid — grants, scholarships, work-study and federal loans — as well as certain state and institutional aid each year they’re in school.
Does FAFSA consider parents income?
Common Income Not Counted in the FAFSA Formula Some income earned by parents and their dependent student is protected (not counted) to allow for minimal living expenses and payment of taxes. The income protection allowance changes each year. Currently, the FAFSA protects dependent student income up to $6,660.
Is there a downside to applying for fafsa?
Cons: If you are not careful, or if like many students you are unaware of how it works, you could find yourself with dwindling resources from your second year onward. If you cannot afford to cover the tuition from your family’s private funds, you will probably turn to private student loans, which can lead to debt.
How Scholarships Are Awarded. Most schools don’t require students to fill out the FAFSA to qualify for merit scholarships. Some colleges may not offer merit aid to students who have not filled out the FAFSA. Additionally, some private scholarships require the FAFSA too.
Can filling out the Fafsa hurt you?
Can Filling Out FAFSA Hurt You? It certainly won’t hurt you financially. There are no income limits to apply, and the form itself is free. If you are an undocumented immigrant, you will not receive aid; you need a social security number to apply.
When do I need to apply for the FAFSA?
Federal aid comes in the form of federal grant programs, federal student loansand federal work-study programs. Federal Aid is subject to change based on government funding policies. Eligibility guidelines for FAFSA are available online for a quick application and fast processing, starting January 1 of every year.
Where can I apply for federal student aid?
Federal aid comes in the form of federal grant programs, federal student loans and federal work-study programs. Federal Aid is subject to change based on government funding policies. Eligibility guidelines for FAFSA are available online for a quick application and fast processing, starting January 1 of every year.
What happens to your financial aid if you get a scholarship?
If your total financial aid package — including outside scholarships and need-based aid — comes to more than $300 above your calculated need, your college must reduce the amount of need-based aid you receive. If you don’t tell your school about the scholarship, you may have to pay back the “over-award.”
What kind of loans can I get with FAFSA?
FAFSA will answer the majority of your questions, determine how much funding you can receive, and what federal funding programs you qualify for. You may find that you’re only eligible for Stafford Loans. Although Stafford Loans are not as desirable as grants, they do have lower interest rates than any private loan.