One of the perks of taking summer classes is that you may be able to graduate early or earn multiple degrees, and some schools even offer reduced tuition for these classes. You also might be able to take classes at a local community college for a lower price and transfer those credits to your school.
You'll be able to start earning full-time income sooner, which could help jump-start your repayment process if you have loans.
Yes, FAFSA can pay for summer school
Federal aid eligibility
While some students take advantage of summer to rest and recharge, others may want to use the season to get ahead in classes. If you're planning ahead for college classes next summer, here's how the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) applies for the summer session.
Eligibility requirements for FAFSA summer classes
Remaining aid
If you haven't exhausted your annual FAFSA award for the academic year, you may be able to use the remaining aid for eligible summer classes. For this to work, you must have financial aid remaining after the fall and spring semesters.
Enrollment status
Typically, you must be enrolled at least half-time for summer courses to qualify for federal aid. Check with your school's financial aid office to verify.
School policies
Different schools may have their own specific requirements for summer aid. Your school may offer scholarships, though those are usually designated for academic merit, athletic achievement, or other distinguishing factors.
You can apply for private scholarships, too, though be aware that they are usually very competitive. In some cases, your school may reduce the aid it gives you by the amount of the private scholarship.
How does FAFSA work for summer classes?
Does summer semester count for financial aid?
Yes, student loans summer semester count for financial aid. You'll need to contact your college or school to confirm what award year your summer semester will go towards.
An award year is the school year for which you are awarded financial aid to finance your education. In most cases, an award year is a 12-month period that begins in July and ends in June of the following year.
Types of financial aid available for summer
You can get three types of assistance through the FAFSA for summer classes: grants, work-study, and loans.
Grants
College grants are usually offered based on significant financial needs or for people who are part of a designated group. Learn more about the different kinds of federal grants here.
Work-study
Work-study aid is usually given depending on when you apply, your level of financial need, and the amount of money your school has available. Work-study is a type of financial assistance that offers part-time positions for students with financial need to earn money for academic costs.
Loans
Subsidized loans are offered based on financial need, while eligibility for unsubsidized and Direct PLUS loans isn't based on financial need. You should think about loans after you've exhausted your grant and work-study aid options, because you'll have to repay loans. Interest rates are fixed on federal loans.
How to get FAFSA for summer classes
Can you apply for FAFSA summer classes?
The FAFSA form you fill out for summer classes is the same FAFSA form you fill out for the fall and spring semesters. So, you may be able to use the previous school year's FAFSA form. Your school will determine if you need to fill out a new FAFSA form for the summer semester.
Here's a breakdown of the steps to complete the FAFSA for summer classes:
- Head to the FAFSA website, studentaid.gov, and log in either as a new or returning applicant. Keep in mind that your parents will have a separate login from the one you use.
- Begin filling out your FAFSA application. There are seven sections to complete within the FAFSA form. You can also use your FSA ID as a save key to save your progress and continue at a later time.
- Enter your student demographics. This is personal information about yourself, such as your full name, address, contact information, and more.
- Select your school. You'll enter information about the high school you attended and each college you want to receive your FAFSA form. Each school has a School Code that can be used on this page to identify the school. You can add up to 20 schools.
- Enter your dependency status. This is where you'll explain if you are financially independent or dependent on your parents or legal guardians.
- Complete parent demographics. On this page, you'll enter personal information about your parents, such as their names, marital status, household size, and more.
- Enter parent financials. If you are dependent on your parents, then this information will be required.
- Fill out student financials. You can use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to transfer your financial information.
- Sign and submit. Be sure to review your application and double-check for any errors before submitting. Your parents may also be required to sign the FAFSA.
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FAQs about FAFSA for summer classes
Do I have to submit a separate FAFSA for summer?
You usually do not need to submit a separate FAFSA for the summer. Most schools use your existing FAFSA information for summer aid.
Can I use my 529 plan savings to pay for summer classes?
Yes, you can use your 529 plan savings to pay for summer classes, as long as the summer classes are eligible expenses under the plan's terms.
Are private student loans an option for summer classes?
Yes, private student loans are an option to pay for summer classes, but carefully consider the interest rates and repayment terms compared to federal loans.
Does FAFSA give you extra money for summer classes?
Yes, FAFSA may give you more money than you need to cover the fall and spring semesters, which can be used for summer classes. However, you'll need to check with your school to determine which year the FAFSA needs to be completed, and you'll need to be enrolled at least half-time.
What FAFSA year covers summer?
You'll need to contact your school's financial aid office to determine what school year you should submit the FAFSA form for summer classes.
