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Free TuitionCoach guides for more financial aid

TuitionCoach has created guides to the FAFSA and the CSS PROFILE to help you navigate these financial aid forms. We outline common mistakes alongside opportunities to maximize financial aid eligibility. Get the TuitionCoach Guides Now.

Here are some key guidelines:

Do it early: The FAFSA is one case of the early bird gets the worm! State and college-based financial aid is often distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Submitting the FAFSA as early as possible can help you get the best award package.

Did you know that: All families should submit a FAFSA, regardless of income? Even high-income families are frequently eligible for aid. Also, filing a FAFSA is often required for merit scholarships awarded by colleges, and is always required for Stafford and PLUS loans.

Five more important tips:

• Don't wait until this year’s taxes are done. Use your last year’s tax returns and your latest wages statements or your W2 to help with estimates. Timely, early filing is often more important than complete accuracy. You can always go back and make corrections later if needed.
• Make completing the financial aid forms a family affair. Parents should be fully involved in the completion of the FAFSA and CSS PROFILE unless the student is independent.
• Never brag about success on a financial aid form. Use the lowest, justifiable estimates of wages and assets on the forms. Never include retirement assets unless they are specifically requested by an individual college.
• Before completing the forms, try to get a rough estimate of what your expected family contribution will be. Use a free online calculator such as at www.tuitioncoach.com.
• In divorce or separated situations, have the less affluent parent serve as the custodial parent through college. The non-custodial parent may still be required to file a supplemental form directly to colleges or through the CSS PROFILE.

Click here to access the complete guides to the FAFSA and CSS PROFILE.