Funding My Future
Most Louisiana high school graduates are eligible for some form of merit- or need-based financial aid. Students can apply for state and federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which can be used at four-year universities, two-year community colleges, and technical training programs. The FAFSA is used to determine the amount of money a family is expected to contribute to the price of attending a postsecondary institution, and the results of the FAFSA are used in determining student grants, work study, and educational loan amounts.
Financial Aid Planning
The FAFSA policy has changed. The graduation cohort of 2024-2025 and beyond are not required to complete the FAFSA as a part of their gradation checkout. This policy change doesn’t remove the requirement of local education agencies (LEAs) to provide students and their parents or guardians with information regarding financial aid programs to support postsecondary education and training. LEAs must ensure that each student receives adequate support in completing and submitting an application for financial aid. However, a student action related to FAFSA completion will not be required. An updated parent and student financial aid planning toolkit will be made available to school systems.
Financial Aid Planning Resources
- How is your school’s FAFSA completion rate compares to others in your area? Visit LOSFA’s Compete to Complete website.
- Are you a student selected for verification? If so, please review the Financial Aid Verification with tips on moving through the process.
- Watch short, informative Federal Student Aid Videos.
- Contact ldefinancialaid@la.gov for more information about any of these resources.