Can you earn scholarships without the FAFSA?

The short answer is yes, you can earn scholarships without the FAFSA. However, it’s always recommended that students file for FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) even if they don't believe they'll qualify for federal aid. The FAFSA opens doors to several other types of financial aid aside from scholarships and not completing it may limit your scholarship opportunities.

Here’s what you should know about FAFSA and scholarships.

The relationship between the FAFSA and scholarships

Scholarships are awarded by several different entities including the federal government, most states, colleges, and private organizations. Each funding organization sets its own eligibility requirements, which are unique to that particular opportunity.

• Federal scholarships. The federal government requires all students to complete the FAFSA to be considered for any type of federal financial aid. This includes grants and federal loans.
• State scholarships. States vary widely in terms of eligibility requirements, but for some state grant and scholarship programs, you’re required to complete the FAFSA. Some states may accept or require state-specific financial aid applications as well.
• College scholarships. Colleges offer scholarships and grants to students, some of which are need based. Institutional need-based financial aid uses the information students submit through the FAFSA to determine eligibility. Some merit scholarships won’t require the FAFSA, but there are schools that won’t consider the student for their awards if they didn’t complete the form.
• Private scholarships. Every year, private organizations of all sizes offer generous scholarships to help cover the cost of college. These typically don’t require you to file the FAFSA. They are awarded based on various criteria set by each individual organization.

Why do some colleges require the FAFSA for scholarships?

Colleges that require the FAFSA use the information on the form to screen applications. Some may use it to verify citizenship so that only citizens and those eligible for federal aid are considered for scholarships. Other colleges use the FAFSA to make sure that the student has maximized their need-based aid. These colleges won’t consider you for merit-based aid without the FAFSA because it indicates that you don’t need financial aid.

In some cases, the FAFSA information is a deciding factor for students who are on the borderline for merit scholarships. If, for example, three students are tied for the scholarship award. A student who has maximized their need-based aid on the FAFSA may get preference because the family perceives a need. If you didn’t fill out the FAFSA, it could indicate you don’t need the financial aid. In this situation, you could lose out on the scholarship award.

When does the FAFSA become available?

The FAFSA application window usually opens on October 1 and closes on June 30 of the award year.

Even though it’s not technically due until June 30th, don’t delay in completing the FAFSA. Schools can and will run out of grant aid and they often have their own FAFSA deadlines. The federal government can also run out of money for the Pell Grant. The June 30 deadline is only for federal student loans.

Why should you fill out the FAFSA every year?

Your FAFSA application is valid for one academic year only. To receive any type of federal financial aid for every year that you’re in college, you have to fill out the FAFSA every year.

Even if you didn’t qualify for federal grants, state grants or scholarships, or school scholarships the previous year, don’t assume you won’t get anything the following year. Grant programs and requirements can change, and some may have more money from year to year. Your own finances could have changed recently, which means you’re now eligible for programs you weren’t previously qualified for.

Plus, even if you received a full-ride scholarship from another source one year, there is never a guarantee you’ll receive it again the following year. The FAFSA is a good backup if something should happen to that funding.

If you need more reasons: the form is free and thanks to the recent integration with the Internal Revenue Service, it’ll only take a few moments of your time to complete! Finishing it will cost you next to nothing and could result in some big money in a few months.

Although you can qualify for scholarships without FAFSA, your options could be limited. It takes just a few minutes of your time to complete the FAFSA and it’s completely free. It could make the difference between thousands of dollars in debt and a free-ride to college for four years!

Want to find scholarships that don’t require the FAFSA? Our Scholarship Search tool has awards based on need, merit, and more. Check them out here.