Paying for College
College is more affordable than you think.
Financial aid can help cover tuition, housing, books, and more —
and it all starts with the FAFSA.
Need-Based Financial Aid
Financial aid can help make college affordable for students and families. Grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal loans often begin with one application: the FAFSA.
What Is Need-Based Financial Aid?
Need-based financial aid is money awarded based on a student’s financial situation. Colleges and the federal government use information from the FAFSA to determine eligibility for grants, scholarships, work-study, and some student loans.
- Need-based aid can help cover:
- Tuition and fees
- Housing and meals
- Books and supplies
- Transportation
- Other education expenses
The FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the key to accessing grants, scholarships, work-study, and student loans.
Colleges and career schools use the FAFSA form to determine how much financial aid you're eligible to receive, which could include grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans.
You must apply for aid every year, but with the right information in hand, it's easy.
Watch this short video to understand how it works:
What You’ll Need
- Social Security Number (if applicable)
- Tax returns (student + parent)
- Bank account information
- FSA ID (login for FAFSA)
We Can Help
Need Help? We’ve Got You.
You don’t have to do this alone. Our team helps students and families complete the FAFSA step-by-step.
Get support from The Bridge: Kaua‘i to College
Why FAFSA Matters
- You could receive free money (grants you don’t repay)
- Many scholarships require FAFSA completion
- Colleges use FAFSA to build your financial aid package
- It opens access to federal work-study and loans
When to Apply
FAFSA opens every year on October 1.
Apply as early as possible to maximize your aid.
You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone
Financial aid forms and college costs can feel confusing — especially for first-generation students and families.
The Bridge: Kaua‘i to College helps students and caregivers understand the process step-by-step.