Please be aware of your college’s financial aid and scholarship deadlines (which are often on or around admission deadlines). These deadlines are typically not flexible - you may miss out on potential aid if you do not submit these documents in time.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as the FAFSA, is available beginning October 1st each year. Visit https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/
FAFSA Resources:
- How to Create an FSA ID
- What You Need to Complete the FAFSA
- Filling Out the FAFSA Form
- How to Fill Out the FAFSA® Form When You Have Multiple Children
- FAFSA FAQ: Divorced Parents, Stepparents
- 10 FAFSA Mistakes that Affect Financial Aid
- Principia Prep: FAFSA step by step guide to completing the 2022/2023 FAFSA for Married & Remarried Parents; Guide for Divorced, Separated & Widowed Parents
- Stand Out College Prep: FAFSA Questions: Step-by-Step Guide
CSS Profile
In addition to the FAFSA, many private colleges require students who are applying for financial aid to complete the CSS Profile as well. Click HERE for more information.
- Everything to Know About Filling Out the CSS Profile
Net Price Calculators
Are available on all college/university websites. They allow prospective students to enter information about themselves in order to provide a preliminary estimate of federal, state and institutional aid eligibility, to help families gauge what aid you might be awarded and to determine your cost of attendance at that school, which is the cost that remains after aid.
Calculating your EFC
If you are curious about your family's Expected Family Contribution (EFC) before filing aid forms, use this tool provided by the College Board.
Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA)
Need Help? Want Information? Have Any Questions About Grants, Scholarships, and Loans? HESAA, the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, is the only New Jersey state agency with the sole mission of providing students and families with financial and informational resources for students to pursue their education beyond high school. Contact HESAA- http://www.hesaa.org or call Toll-Free 1-800-792-8670 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
Financial Aid Presentation (2021)
Click HERE for a link to the presentation from this event, hosted by Ed Zamora from Principia Prep.