Apply for Financial Aid

The most important first step to apply for financial aid is to submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online, and make sure you add Goucher College to your list of schools. Our federal school code is 002073.

Submit a FAFSA

Your individual process and timeline will depend on which type of student you are:

The FAFSA Simplification Act

The FAFSA Simplification Act was passed by Congress in 2020 and marks a significant overhaul of the processes and systems used to award federal student aid. Included in the overhaul are changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form as well as the need analysis formulas that determine federal aid eligibility. There are also changes to terminology and policies and procedure changes for institutions that participate in federal student aid programs.

The 2024-2025 FAFSA is available, but some families are having technical challenges.

Historically, the FAFSA application has been available effective October 1st each year. Due to the significant changes to the FAFSA and the FAFSA processing system, the 2024-2025 FAFSA had an initial rollout in December 2023. Monitor studentaid.gov for updates.

Additional FAFSA Tips and Resources

Videos and tutorials:

  • Play Video

    Start your FAFSA.

  • Play Video

    Where is my Financial Aid?

  • Play Video

    Who is a contributor?

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    Understand and Prepare FAFSA Contributors

Avoid Common FAFSA Errors (NASFAA Tips)

Which Parent Should be on the FAFSA?