(Lincoln, Neb.) EducationQuest Foundation encourages Nebraskans who plan to attend college during the 2026-27 academic year to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), now open at studentaid.gov.
The FAFSA is the application for federal, state and college-based financial aid. Colleges use the information in the FAFSA to determine eligibility for financial assistance, which can include scholarships, grants, work-study funds and student loans.
EducationQuest Foundation President and CEO Liz Koop said, “Access to higher education begins with financial aid, and the FAFSA is the first step. Completing it early provides families with clarity and options for the future. EducationQuest is committed to making the process approachable with free resources, step-by-step guides, and one-on-one support to help every student succeed.”
According to the National College Attainment Network, more than $4.4 billion in Pell Grants went unclaimed by the Class of 2024.
Koop said, “Completing the FAFSA is the single most important step students can take to make college affordable. Too many Nebraska students are leaving Pell grant dollars unclaimed. We want to change that.”
Before starting the FAFSA, students and families should:
- Create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) Account at gov. Dependent students and their parents/guardians must each have an account.
- Ensure usernames and passwords are stored securely. They are required to access and sign the FAFSA.
- Have 2024 income tax return information on hand to complete the form.
Free tools, tutorials, and personalized help are available at EducationQuest.org.
