According to the U.S. Department of Education, applying for student financial aid this year is easier and faster than ever before. Students can file electronically or on a paper application. Students are also encouraged to talk to the financial aid directors at the schools they hope to attend to learn about financial aid packages and other sources of assistance.
Electronic filing is faster, less error-prone.
An estimated 12 to 14 percent of paper applications are returned for errors, adding time to the application process. The paper application is shorter and easier. The paper application is now cut in half from 16 pages down to eight. It has also been redesigned to be easier to complete. Now students can reapply electronically.