Any student, regardless of income, who wants to borrow federal student loans (also known as Stafford or Direct student loans), must fill out FAFSA to get access to these loans. In addition, any parent, regardless of income, who would like to borrow the Parent PLUS Loan must also fill out FAFSA.

What happens if you don't fill out FAFSA?

State and college deadlines may be earlier. ... If your student misses these FAFSA deadlines, they could be missing out on aid and access to government student loans. Missing the federal FAFSA deadlines, means your student will have to wait till the following academic year to get access to aid and loans.

Can you opt out of FAFSA?

The student may also opt themselves out if they are at least 18 years old, which many students reach before high school graduation, and the state provides special dispensation from the requirement for students in extenuating circumstances.