The federal government provides more than $150 billion in grants, loans, and work-study funds to students each year. In order to get that money, you must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly called the FAFSA.

Completing and submitting the FAFSA is free and easier than ever, and it gives you access to the largest source of financial aid to pay for college or career school.

In addition, many states and colleges use your FAFSA data to determine your eligibility for state and school aid, and some private financial aid providers may use your FAFSA information to determine whether you qualify for their aid.

Submit a free application for federal student aid.

Need more help? These videos might help:

• The Financial Aid process
• Types of Federal Aid available
• How to fill out the FAFSA
• Repayment of loans and what to expect
• Details on responsible borrowing

Have questions about student aid? The U.S. Dept. of Education will answer them. Just ask them on Twitter with the hashtag #AskFAFSA between 5 and 6pm EST tonight.         

Visit JobCenter.USA.gov for information about professional certifications, registered apprenticeships, occupational licenses, and other opportunities that may help you get ahead.

In addition to education and training resources, you can use the job center to search for a job and learn about various career paths.

FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It’s the FREE form you fill out to get money for college or career school. Apply online at http://www.fafsa.gov.

Many members of the military with student loans are spending way too much to pay off those loans. They are not accessing the student loan repayment protections and forgiveness benefits that have been granted to them under federal rules.

Unfortunately, those rules are extremely complex, and not all loan servicers are properly handling the loans or advising their clients. A report by the Consumer Financal Protection Bureau (PDF) shows that many servicemembers are paying thousands too much over the life of their loans.

The Action Guide for Servicemembers with Student Loans (PDF) shows you step-by-step how to take advantage of the repayment protections mandated by Congress.

Lower Your Interest Rates

If you’re an active duty servicemember, you are eligible to have the interest rate reduced by 6 percent on any loans you took prior to the start of your active-duty service.

Manage Federal Loans

Income-based repayment (IBR) and public service loan forgiveness (PSLF) are two options servicemembers should consider to help repay their loans.

IBR determines your monthly payment amounts based on your income and the size of your family.

PSLF forgives any remaining loan balance after you’ve made 10 years of on-time payments while working full time in public service.

If you’re on active-duty, you may also be eligible to defer your loan repayments for 180 days after your service ends.

Manage Private Loans

You’ll have to review the terms of your private loans carefully to find what options are available to you. Some companies may let you defer payments while you’re on active duty service. However, interest may continue to accumulate, increasing your overall debt amount. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recommends making payments on your private student loans if you can.

Learn more about how to manage your loan repayments and what options are available to you (PDF).