The Department of Education uses the data on your FAFSA to perform a statutorily required calculation and transmits the results to the schools you listed or selected on the FAFSA. These results are used by those schools to determine your eligibility for aid from the federal student aid programs described in the "Federal Student Aid" section. Many states and schools also use the FAFSA data to award aid from their programs. Some states and schools may require you to fill out additional forms.

There is no charge to complete and submit a FAFSA, whether you file electronically or on paper. In fact, charging students and/or parents a fee for completing and/or submitting the FAFSA is prohibited by law.