Free FAFSA Tools
Use these in order — check whether you're dependent or independent, estimate the aid impact of an appeal, figure out which appeal applies, gather the right documents, calculate the income figure that makes your case, and (once offers arrive) compare them side-by-side. All free, no account needed.
Dependency Status Checker
Am I dependent or independent for FAFSA? 10 questions, 60 seconds, free verdict — plus a personalized filing checklist by email.
Open the tool →SAI Impact Estimator
Estimate how much more annual aid a Professional Judgment appeal could get you. Start here — it tells you whether the appeal is worth your time.
Open the tool →Which appeal applies to me?
Answer one question to see whether Professional Judgment fits your situation, which documents you need, and which letter to send.
Open the tool →Documentation checklist generator
Pick your appeal reason and get the exact, printable list of documents your financial aid office needs.
Open the tool →Projected income calculator
Turn pay stubs, severance, and unemployment into the projected-income figure — and a sentence you can paste into your letter.
Open the tool →Aid Offer Comparison
Got offers in hand? Compare 2–4 side by side. See the real 4-year out-of-pocket cost (with tuition inflation and loan interest) and which offers are appealable.
Open the tool →Verification Decoder
Selected for verification? Enter your tracking group (V1, V4, or V5) and get the exact documents your school needs, your deadline, and your next steps.
Open the tool →CSS Profile NCP Waiver Checker
Applying to CSS Profile schools as a divorced or separated family? See whether your situation qualifies for a noncustodial-parent waiver, what to document, and what won’t qualify on its own.
Open the tool →