FAFSA Resources

What is the FAFSA and why should I complete it?

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form is what you need to complete to apply for federal student aid, work-study funds, and loans. Completing and submitting the FAFSA form is FREE, and it gives you access to the largest source of financial aid to help pay for college or career school. 

In addition, many states and colleges use your FAFSA information to determine your eligibility for state and school aid, and some private financial aid providers may use your FAFSA to determine whether you qualify for their aid. (To learn more, visit studentaid.gov.) 

Don't leave money sitting on the table! Completing the FAFSA helps ensure you get the money you need to help pay for your post-high school education - whether that be a short-term certification program or a two- or four-year college!

What are the changes for 2024-25?

Where do I get more information about the FAFSA and/or help completing it?

You're in luck! Kentucky students and parents have all sorts of resources that are just a text, phone call or email away! Below, you will find contact information for multiple individuals who are able to provide you with more information about and help you with completing a FAFSA. KHEAA offers help statewide, GEAR UP programs offer assistance in 57 Kentucky high schools, and AmeriCorps Kentucky College Coaches provide help in 40 high schools.

KHEAA (Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority)

KHEAA Call Center and Outreach Text Line: (800) 928-8926
Calls answered: M-F, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. ET; Text responses: ASAP, 7 days/week

In addition to its call center/outreach text line, KHEAA has outreach counselors statewide who can assist you! To schedule an appointment, you may call, email or text the counselor designated for your county/region (listed below).

GEAR UP Programs in Kentucky

Three entities in Kentucky have received federal GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) grants to provide services in districts with high rates of poverty. The Kentucky Council for Postsecondary Education holds the sole state grant (GEAR UP Kentucky) and Partners for Rural Impact (PRI) and West Kentucky Educational Cooperative (WKEC) hold partnership grants. The counties in which services are provided in one or more districts can be seen below. If you attend one of the high schools listed in one of the charts below, there is a GEAR UP advisor/coach who can help you complete the FAFSA (contact info provided). 

GEAR UP - WKEC (Light Blue Region)

GEAR UP Kentucky - CPE (Orange Region) 

GEAR UP - PRI (Yellow Region)

Kentucky College Coaches (AmeriCorps)

Kentucky College Coaches is a statewide AmeriCorps program that places mentors in both secondary and postsecondary schools to support college access and student success. Contact information for the Kentucky College Coaches providing support in high schools is listed below.