Confused About FAFSA?

Let’s fix it together.

Before you EVER touch a student loan, you must maximize your state and federal free aid. The goal is to borrow responsibly and understand what you're agreeing to.

  • Step 1: File Your FAFSA (Don't File Late!)

    Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid every single year.

    • Check for Grants: The FAFSA unlocks federal grants, work-study programs, and federal student loans.

    • FAFSA deadlines can change and vary by state. Always check current official information before submitting.

    • SAI called Student Aid Index is how colleges can determine how much aid you may receive. The lower the SAI, the higher the financial aid you may receive.

    Step 2: Borrow Smart (Subsidized vs. Unsubsidized)

    If you must take out a student loan to finish your degree, always choose federal options over private bank loans. Federal and private student loans are not the same.

    • Subsidized Loans (Highly Recommended): The government pays your interest while you are in school. Your balance stays the same until you graduate.

    • Unsubsidized Loans: Interest builds up while you are in school. If left unpaid, it adds to your total balance, increasing your monthly payments after graduation.

    Never borrow more for your entire degree than you expect to make in your first year in your career after graduation. Before signing for a loan, research the expected starting salary for your career and compare it with your expected loan payments and living expenses. Borrow only what you need.

  • Step 3: Managing Financial Aid Refunds

    Receiving a refund check from your financial aid office is exciting, but it requires some planning. If your financial aid exceeds what you owe the school, the remaining amount is sent to you according to your campus policies.

    • Track Your Spending: Use a budget spreadsheet or a dedicated bank account to manage your money.

    • Remember that a refund isn’t free money. It is meant to cover rent, academic supplies, textbooks, and basic living costs.

    Step 4: The Path to Government Loan Forgiveness

    If you use federal loans, you may have options to lower your payments or get your balance forgiven entirely.

    • Income-Driven Repayment (IDR): These plans base your monthly payment on your income, which can lower your bill compared to a standard plan. Some options can even provide forgiveness on your remaining balance after you meet the requirements.

    • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): If you work for a qualifying government or nonprofit organization, you can get your remaining loan balance forgiven. You must make at least 120 qualifying payments while working full-time. Your job title doesn't determine if you qualify, so always check your eligibility through official PSLF resources.

  • When it comes to college planning and selecting colleges, success requires clear understanding and accurate academic data. 

    You can use these tools to figure out your options across the U.S. and decide where you want to be!

    • Naviance: Strictly used within high schools. Use this to build your college list, request teacher recommendation letters, and estimate your acceptance rates using your school's historical data.

    • Appily: Highly recommended for discovery. It uses your GPA and location preferences to match you with campuses, provide virtual tours, and offer checklists for testing and scholarships.

    • Common App: The absolute best platform for applying to multiple colleges at once. It is free to use for both first-year and transfer students. Just know as a transfer or graduate student, some colleges may not use the Common App. So, please check the school’s website for information.

    Tips

    • Register using your personal Gmail; never your school email. You risk losing access to your accounts or missing notification of official acceptance letters.

    • First-year applications are free if you meet eligibility rules and submit a Common App fee waiver. Transfer applications usually cost money, but you can request a waiver directly inside your transfer portal.

  • DISCLAIMER:

    NEVER PAY A PRIVATE COMPANY TO LOWER YOUR STUDENT LOAN PAYMENTS. LEGITIMATE FORGIVENESS IS HANDLED ENTIRELY THROUGH THE OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT, YOUR LOAN SERVICER, AND THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

    The Anonymous Hour Consulting provides educational information and financial resources. We do not guarantee loan forgiveness, repayment outcomes, or eligibility for any federal program. 

    ALWAYS VERIFY CURRENT REQUIREMENTS WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND OTHER OFFICIAL SOURCES BEFORE MAKING FINANCIAL DECISIONS.