Completing the FAFSA helps you get scholarships, grants, work-study and student loans. It only takes about 20 minutes, but it's totally worth it.

The earlier you complete the FAFSA, the better chance you have of maximizing your awards. Start getting the money you need for college — complete the FAFSA ASAP. 

Because of the smaller classes and personal education, you might not think you can afford a private college education. You can. Last year, 100% of new, full-time undergraduate students received financial aid. You don't need to take a statistics course to know that's a great number. 

Did you know you can get $500 toward the Smarter U+ Scholarship just for submitting your FAFSA? That's right! Just remember to put our school code — 003645 — on your FAFSA. It's an easy way to get extra free money! Just submit your FAFSA by the deadlines listed on the Smarter U+ page.

Smarter U+ amounts are for students beginning in the spring 2024 and fall 2024 semesters.

Start by going to FAFSA.gov. You'll want to apply for the current FAFSA. 

Make sure you have these 4 things handy:

1. Social Security Number
2. Driver's License Number – don't worry if you don't have one
3. W-2 forms or records of how much money you made in the last year
4. The tax records you most recently filed – a copy of your W-2 or 1040 tax forms are perfect

Create an FSA ID if you don't have one. Write it down because you'll use it next year to renew your FAFSA. If your parents plan to provide info, they'll need an FSA ID, too.

It usually takes about 20 minutes to complete and it's worth every minute.

We found some great tips by the Department of Education.

• 10 common FAFSA mistakes
• 8 Easy Steps for Parents Completing the FAFSA Form
• 8 Things You Should Know about Federal Work-Study
• 4 Ways to Manage Your Federal Student Aid