Federal grants for college are need-based money from the U.S. Department of Education that you don't repay. To be considered for these grants, you must complete the Free process for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which collects information about your family's finances and circumstances. The FAFSA determines your Expected Family Contribution—what the government estimates your family can pay toward education—and this figure directly affects how much grant money you may receive. Understanding how these two pieces connect helps you see why the FAFSA matters and what happens after you submit it.
The articles here explain what information the FAFSA collects and why, how the government uses that information to calculate grant amounts, which federal grants exist and their different rules, and what steps come after submission. You'll learn how your financial situation translates into aid offers, what important date and requirements explore, and how to read the aid package your school sends you.