What is FAFSA?

All students are expected to contribute towards the cost of their college education. How much you and your family will be expected to contribute depends on your financial situation which is what is referred to as your Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form used by the U.S. Department of Education (DoE) to determine your EFC by conducting a “need analysis” based on financial information, such as income, assets and other household information, which you (and your parents if you are a dependent student) will be asked to provide. The form is submitted to, and processed by, a federal processor contracted by the DoE, and the results are electronically sent to the financial aid offices at the schools you listed on your application.

The FAFSA is the application you will use to determine eligibility for federal, state, and college-sponsored financial aid, including grants and educational loans. Completing and submitting the FAFSA is free and easier than ever, and it gives you access to the largest source of financial aid to help pay for year college or vocational school.

FAFSA Eligible Programs at Columbia College

Certificate Programs               Associate Degree Programs