<br><div><aside class="gnt_em gnt_em__fp gnt_em_vp__tp gnt_em__el" aria-label="Video - 4 Ways to pay for college when you don't have the financial aid you need"/><p class="gnt_ar_b_p">A new school year just started, but it’s never a bad idea to plan for the next one, especially when you need help paying for your education. </p><p class="gnt_ar_b_p">The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2023/08/07/what-is-fafsa/70462771007/" data-t-l=":b|e|k|${u}" class="gnt_ar_b_a" rel="noopener">best tool to get student financial aid</a> is the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA form, which will launch later than usual this year. The form is expected to be available in <a target="_blank" href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2023/08/06/fafsa-simplified-2024-25-what-to-expect/70441059007/" data-t-l=":b|e|k|${u}" class="gnt_ar_b_a" rel="noopener">December, instead of October</a>, with a new simplified look and a new calculation to determine your eligibility. However, that’s not the only way Americans can pay for school. </p><p class="gnt_ar_b_p">Families also can apply for financial aid at certain schools using the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.usatoday.com/money/blueprint/student-loans/what-is-a-css-profile/" data-t-l=":b|e|k|${u}" class="gnt_ar_b_a" rel="noopener">College Scholarship Service Profile</a>. They’ll still have to complete FAFSA, but the service profile can provide an opportunity to get other financial help. </p><p class="gnt_ar_b_p">The process can be confusing so here is a breakdown of the differences between the FAFSA and service profile. You can decide if completing the service profile is worth your time. </p><figure class="gnt_em gnt_em_img"><img class="gnt_em_img_i" style="height:495px" fetchpriority="high" data-g-r="lazy" src="https://www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2019/12/03/USAT/0c98f162-2118-4218-91c5-41e691f549ae-XXX_IMG_FAFSA_1_1_JUFT4A6E.JPG?width=660&height=495&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp" srcset="https://www.usatoday.com/gcdn/presto/2019/12/03/USAT/0c98f162-2118-4218-91c5-41e691f549ae-XXX_IMG_FAFSA_1_1_JUFT4A6E.JPG?width=1320&height=990&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp 2x" decoding="async" alt="Completing the Department of Education’s FAFSA is the only way you can be considered for federal student aid."/></figure><h2 class="gnt_ar_b_mt">What is FAFSA used for? </h2><p class="gnt_ar_b_p">Completing the Department of Education’s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.usatoday.com/money/blueprint/student-loans/what-is-fafsa/" data-t-l=":b|e|k|${u}" class="gnt_ar_b_a" rel="noopener">FAFSA</a> is the only way you can be considered for federal student aid. The free application for the 2023-24 school year is available now to complete online, on mobile app, or by mail and is due no later than 11:59 p.m. CDT on June 30, 2024. The 2024-25 FAFSA opens in December and is available through June 30, 2025. </p><p class="gnt_ar_b_p"><strong>Learn more:</strong> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-t-l=":body nav (pl)|e|auto spike click:7|${u}" class="gnt_ar_b_a" href="https://www.usatoday.com/money/blueprint/personal-loans/best-personal-loans/">Best personal loans</a></p><aside aria-label="advertisement" class="gnt_m gnt_x gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al"/><p class="gnt_ar_b_p">States and colleges also use FAFSA information to award their own grants, scholarships, and loans. States and colleges have their own deadlines, so...</p></div> <style> .wrapper { text-align: center; } </style> <div class="wrapper"> <a class="button" href ="https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2023/09/28/fafsa-css-profile-to-maximize-financial-aid/70975558007/">Read more <span>➤</span></a> </div>
