FAFSA: Tips for Families Navigating Financial Aid

By Megan Shreve, Scholarship Support Specialist

Applying for college is a major milestone. For many families, figuring out how to pay for it is one of the biggest challenges. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the gateway to federal, state, and institutional financial aid—including grants, scholarships, and student loans. Yet each year, thousands of students miss out on funding simply because they don’t complete the form.

5 Tips for Navigating FAFSA

At Milton Hershey School, we believe that every student deserves access to higher education, regardless of financial background. Through Graduate Programs for Success (GPS), we guide students and families through the FAFSA process, ensuring they’re equipped with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions. Here are some essential tips that apply to all families preparing for college:

1. Know Who Counts as a “Contributor”

A contributor is anyone required to provide financial information on the FAFSA. This includes the student, biological or adoptive parents, and stepparents. Understanding who needs to be involved is the first step toward completing the form accurately.

2. Create Your Federal Student Aid Account Early

Each contributor must create their own FSA ID at studentaid.gov. This secure login allows users to access and sign the FAFSA electronically. Parents and students should create their accounts well before starting the application.

3. Let the IRS Do the Heavy Lifting

The FAFSA now allows for direct data sharing from the IRS. For the 2026–27 FAFSA, families will use income information from their 2024 federal tax return. With consent, this data can be imported automatically, reducing errors and simplifying the process.

4. Don’t Miss the Deadline

While federal deadlines are important, many states and colleges have earlier priority deadlines. Submitting the FAFSA as soon as it opens can increase your chances of receiving aid. At MHS, students must complete their FAFSA by February 1, 2026, to remain eligible for Continuing Education Scholarship (CES) funding.

5. Seek Support When You Need It

Whether you’re a first-time applicant or returning to update your information, help is available. At MHS, our GPS team provides hands-on support to our students, but families everywhere can find assistance through school counselors, financial aid offices, and community organizations.

Completing the FAFSA is more than a task—it’s a critical step toward unlocking educational opportunity. At MHS, we’re proud to support our students through this process and advocate for broader financial literacy across communities. By sharing these tips and encouraging early action, we hope to empower families everywhere to take control of their college journey.