Students learn about how the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) works by completing a simulation activity.
Save and invest (Saving for college), Spend (Paying for college), Borrow (Getting loans)
CTE (Career and technical education), English or language arts, Math, Social studies or history
High school (9-10), High school (11-12)
75-90 minutes
Big idea
To receive federal financial aid (e.g., grants and loans), you (or your family) must fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Essential questions
- How can the FAFSA help you and your family pay for higher education?
- How does your family’s financial situation affect the amount of federal financial aid you may receive?
Objectives
- Understand how the FAFSA helps students and their families pay for higher education
- Analyze financial aid packages to explore how federal aid amounts may differ based on a student’s current family and financial situations
What students will do
- Use the online Federal Student Aid Estimator tool to estimate federal aid amounts for different scenarios.
- Compare the financial aid packages for different students to better understand eligibility criteria for federal financial aid.
Download activity
Teacher guide
cfpb_building_block_activities_learning-how-FAFSA-works_guide.pdf
Student materials
cfpb_building_block_activities_learning-how-FAFSA-works_worksheet.pdf
cfpb_building_block_activities_all-about-FAFSA_handout.pdf
Note: Please remember to consider your students’ accommodations and special needs to ensure that all students are able to participate in a meaningful way.
