CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — FAFSA season is here, and for students planning education or training after high school, completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important step in understanding how they will pay for what's next.

The FAFSA is used to determine eligibility for federal financial aid and may also be used by states, colleges and other organizations when awarding financial assistance.

But before families sit down to complete the form, ICAN recommends taking a few steps to prepare.

“Financial aid can feel complicated when families don't know what to expect,” said Jessa Grosenheider, Student Success Advisor at ICAN. “A little preparation before starting the FAFSA can make the process much easier and help families understand what happens after they submit it.”

Start With Your StudentAid.gov Account

Students and required contributors should make sure they have their own StudentAid.gov accounts and can successfully log in before beginning the FAFSA.

Don't wait until you're ready to complete the form to discover that you need help accessing an account.

Know Who Needs to Participate

Depending on a student's circumstances, information may be required from the student, parent or parents, or a spouse.

Families should determine who will need to contribute information before they begin so everyone is prepared to participate.

Gather What You'll Need

Families should have identifying and financial information available before starting the FAFSA. Reviewing the current FAFSA requirements ahead of time can prevent unnecessary delays.

Complete the FAFSA Even If You're Unsure About Aid

Families sometimes assume they won't qualify for financial aid and decide not to file.

ICAN encourages students to complete the FAFSA when appropriate even if they aren't sure what assistance may be available. Financial aid can include grants, scholarships, work-study and student loans, and FAFSA information may be considered for aid beyond federal programs.

Remember: Filing Is Only the Beginning

Submitting the FAFSA doesn't tell a family exactly what college or training will cost.

Schools use FAFSA information as part of the process for determining financial aid eligibility. Students will later receive information from the institutions they're considering and should compare both the financial aid available and the total cost of attending.

“The FAFSA is one piece of a much larger financial plan,” Grosenhedier said. “Ultimately, we want students and families to understand what an education will cost, what resources are available and what they may be responsible for paying.”

Free FAFSA Help Is Available

Families don't have to navigate the process alone.

ICAN provides free FAFSA assistance and financial aid guidance to Iowa students and families through individual appointments, school and community events, and online resources.

Families can learn more about the FAFSA and prepare to file at ICANsucceed.org/financial-aid/fafsa  and schedule free assistance at ICANsucceed.org/apt.

About ICAN

ICAN is a nonprofit, educational organization. ICAN is the College Access Network for Iowa, and a member of the National College Access Network (NCAN). ICAN has locations in Ankeny, Bettendorf, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Des Moines, Iowa City, and Sioux City, which provide programming and advising support to students and their families as they plan for education and training after high school. All ICAN programs and services are provided without charge. For more information about ICAN, call (877) 272-4692 or visit www.ICANsucceed.org.