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Some students view summer as a time to rest and relax, while others see it as an opportunity to get ahead in their college coursework. Since many classes can be done at a community college, summer courses may also cost less than the classes you take during the fall and spring semesters.

If you’ve already sorted out your financing for the fall and spring semesters, you may wonder how you’ll cover the cost of a summer session. The good news is that the aid you get through the FAFSA can typically be used to pay for summer classes too. Here’s what you need to know.

When Can FAFSA Cover Summer Classes?

Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) gives you access to grants, federal student loans, and work-study funds. Whatever aid you qualify for can be used for any term — fall, spring, and/or summer — provided you’ll be enrolled at least half time.

However, you’ll have to reach out to your school’s financial aid to find out which FAFSA year applies to the summer session. For instance, your school may use the 2025-26 for summer 2026, or they may require the 2026-27 FAFSA.

The type of financial aid you can use to offset the cost of summer classes includes:

•  Grants This is a form of gift aid and generally does not need to be paid back. You may be eligible for federal, state, and school-specific grants.

•  Federal student loans These are fixed-interest-rate loans from the government. Students with financial need may qualify for subsidized student loans. This means the government covers your interest while you are in school and for six months after you graduate. Unsubsidized student loans are available to all eligible students, regardless of need.

•  Work-study This federal program provides part-time work, typically on campus, to help students with financial need earn money to help cover college-related expenses.

If you’re thinking of using financial aid to pay for summer classes, keep in mind that there is a maximum amount of aid (including federal student loans) you can get each year, regardless of when you take your classes. You can refer to your financial aid letter (which you likely received before the fall session started) to see the maximum amounts you have been granted. These annual limits stretch over fall, spring, winter, and summer sessions.


💡 Quick Tip: Make no payments on SoFi private student loans for six months after graduation.

Filling Out FAFSA for Summer Aid

The FAFSA is generally released each year on October 1. However, the 2026–27 FAFSA became available earlier, on September 24, 2025. Since some aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, it’s a good idea to fill out the FAFSA soon after it’s released. This can potentially increase your chances of getting all the aid you qualify for.

If you already have a FAFSA on file for the previous fall/spring academic year, you may not need to file a new one for the summer session. However, as mentioned above, schools have varying rules on what academic year they belong in for financial aid purposes. Before submitting the FAFSA, contact your college’s financial aid office to see if you need to fill out a new FAFSA and which year you should select.

Filling out the FAFSA for summer aid is the same as filling out the FAFSA for any term. You’ll need to create an FSA ID and then complete and submit your form online at studentaid.gov. You can also print out and mail a paper form.

Alternatives to FAFSA

If you don’t qualify for financial aid or you used up the aid you were awarded during the fall and spring semesters, don’t stress. There are other ways to offset the cost of summer classes.

Summer Jobs

If work-study is not available, you might look for a part-time summer job either on or off-campus to help pay your summer tuition. Working during the summer can also give you valuable work experience and help you start building your resume.

Internships

A paid internship can be an ideal way to earn extra money as a college student. These positions often pay well and allow you to gain experience and connections that could help you find employment after you graduate. Your school’s career center may have leads on internships. You can also search job boards and tap your personal and professional network to find summer internships.

Summer Class Scholarships

Many organizations, companies, and schools offer scholarships (both need- and merit-based) to college students. Typically, there aren’t restrictions on what term students can use the scholarship for, so you can apply for scholarships and use the awards to pay for your summer classes. Private scholarship amounts tend to be small, but if you can cobble together several awards, it could make a significant dent in your summer tuition.

Your school’s financial aid office or career center may be able to help you find scholarships based on your qualifications. You can also use one of the many online scholarship search tools to find scholarships you may qualify for.

Summer Grant Programs

Some universities offer grants that are designed specifically for students looking to take classes during the summer. For instance, Hunter College in New York City offers a Summer Scholarship for undergraduates who take one summer class that counts towards their degree.

Many states also offer college grants that can be used for the summer term. The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, for example, allows eligible students to receive a Pennsylvania State grant for the summer term.

It can be worth reaching out to your school’s financial aid office to find out what summer funding programs may be available. Also visit the department of education for your state to see if there are any summer-specific state grants you might qualify for.

Private Student Loans

If you’ve reached your annual limit for federal student loans and need more funding to cover the cost of summer classes, you might consider applying for a private student loan.

These loans are offered by banks, credit unions, and online lenders and typically come with higher lending limits than federal student loans. In fact, you can usually borrow up to the full cost of attendance from a private lender, minus any financial aid. Interest rates vary by lender, so it’s a good idea to shop around. Generally borrowers (or cosigners) with excellent credit qualify for the lowest rates.

Keep in mind, though, that private student loans don’t offer the same protections (like access to forgiveness programs and income-based repayment) that come with federal student loans.


💡 Quick Tip: It’s a good idea to understand the pros and cons of private student loans and federal student loans before committing to them.

Why Take Summer Classes?

Whether you choose to study at your current college or a local community college, summer classes offer a number of benefits.

You might opt to go to school in the summer to retake classes you struggled with in the past in order to boost your GPA. Or if you’re behind in your credits, you might use the summer term to catch up and make sure that you can graduate on time. You can also use a summer session to knock out core or elective course requirements in order to graduate early.

In addition, taking summer classes could lead to cost savings. Some schools 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.

Recommended: Can You Get a Student Loan for Summer Classes?

The Takeaway

FAFSA aid can typically be used for any college term — including the summer. Just keep in mind that there is an annual maximum you can take out in federal loans, which includes the summer semester. Grants also usually have annual limits.

Other sources of funding for summer classes include private scholarships, summer college grants, income from a part-time job or paid internship, and private student loans.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

Do summer classes count as semesters for FAFSA?

Technically, yes. While there is no specific federal funding for summer classes, the aid you are eligible for can be applied to summer tuition. You can find out from your school’s financial aid office which FAFSA year will apply to summer classes.

Which year of FAFSA covers summer classes?

It depends on the college’s policy. For instance, your school might use the 2025-26 FAFSA for the 2026 summer session or require you to fill out the 2026-27 form. Before submitting the FAFSA, you’ll want to contact your college’s financial aid office to see which FAFSA year you should select.

Is there a maximum amount that you can receive from FAFSA overall?

Yes, there are annual limits on how much you can receive in federal financial aid, which includes grants, loans, and work-study programs. The limit for each type of aid varies by school, year, and other factors. You’ll want to be careful to plan your expenses and financing strategies with these limits in mind.

Photo credit: iStock/Yuricazac

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.

Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 4/22/2025 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

SoFi Bank, N.A. and its lending products are not endorsed by or directly affiliated with any college or university unless otherwise disclosed.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SOISL-Q425-002

Going to college or graduate school is a serious investment in your future — both professionally and financially. Naturally, you’ll want to know how much financial aid you’re eligible for, including student loans, grants, and work-study programs.

The amount of federal aid that prospective and current students receive is based on a variety of factors, and everyone’s financial situation is unique. But familiarizing yourself with the following requirements and questions can help paint a clearer picture of how much FAFSA money you will get.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements?

Many incoming and current college and graduate students are eligible for federal aid. Among the basic requirements, you must:

•   Demonstrate financial need (for need-based federal student aid programs)

•   Be a U.S. citizen, national, or eligible noncitizen

•   Have a valid Social Security number, unless you’re from the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau

•   Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program

•   Maintain satisfactory academic progress in college or career school

How Do I Begin the FAFSA?

The first step to completing the FAFSA is creating your FSA user ID and password. From there, you’ll answer a series of questions covering demographic information, schools you are interested in attending, financial details, and information from parents or guardians based on dependency status.

Filling out the FAFSA may feel intimidating, but a little preparation can save you from common FAFSA mistakes, like leaving important fields blank.

What Factors Affect FAFSA Money?

The application includes questions about demographics and finances for students and sometimes their families to answer. Collectively, this information will determine how much need-based and non-need-based aid students qualify for.

Applying for the FAFSA Every Year of School and on Time

Filling out the FAFSA is not a one-time deal. Students must file the FAFSA each year they are enrolled in college or graduate school.

There are several important FAFSA deadlines to be aware of. The federal deadline for the 2025-2026 academic year is June 30, 2026; for the 2026–2027 academic year, the federal deadline is June 30, 2027. This is the latest date you can submit the form. However, many states and colleges have their own priority deadlines for financial aid, which are typically earlier than the federal deadline.

Generally, the earlier you submit the FAFSA the better. This is because some federal, state, and institutional aid programs, including certain grants and federal work-study funds, are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Dependency Status

For FAFSA, a dependent is a student who does not meet any of the criteria for being an independent student. Generally, you are considered an independent student if:

•   At least 24 years old

•   Married

•   A graduate or professional student (law, medicine, etc.)

•   A veteran or active member of the armed forces

•   An orphan, ward of the court, or emancipated minor

•   Claiming legal dependents other than a spouse

•   Homeless or at risk of becoming homeless

Your dependency status affects how much financial aid you’re eligible to receive. In many cases, independent students can be eligible for more financial aid, as they are assumed to be paying their own tuition and living expenses.

Still, dependent students may be eligible for a variety of financial aid opportunities from federal or state governments and colleges through the FAFSA. Most incoming and current undergraduate students are considered dependent. This means that information from parents or guardians, such as tax returns, must be submitted and will affect whether financial aid is awarded and how much.

In special circumstances, students may file for a dependency override. These are awarded case by case, and are typically reserved for students facing exceptional family-related issues or whose parents are unwilling to provide information for the FAFSA.

Student Aid Index

The Student Aid Index (SAI) is a number used by colleges to determine your eligibility for federal student financial aid. It’s calculated using information that you (and your parents) provide on the FAFSA, including student and parent income, student and parent assets, and the family size. It’s designed to determine the total financial resources you and your parents have and the minimum amount needed for your family’s normal annual living expenses.

The financial aid office at your college will subtract your SAI from your school’s cost of attendance to determine your level of your financial need and how much need-based aid you are eligible to get.

You can find your estimated SAI on the confirmation page of your FAFSA form. Once your FAFSA is processed, you’ll see your official SAI within your FAFSA Submission Summary. The SAI range is -1500 to 999999. The lower your SAI, the more financial aid you are likely to qualify for.

Cost of Attendance

Education costs can vary considerably based on merit-based scholarships, in-state vs. out-of-state residency, and other factors. The amount of FAFSA money you receive will also depend on the cost of attendance for your chosen college or university.

The cost of attendance encompasses tuition, fees, room and board, books and school supplies, and expenses associated with child care or disabilities, if applicable. A lower cost of attendance usually translates to less aid, because the funding can be used only for education purposes.

Not sure where you want to apply? Our College Search tool can help.

How Much Money Will I Get From FAFSA?

The amount of FAFSA money you receive cannot exceed the cost of attendance for your chosen college or university.

Before applying, the Federal Student Aid Estimator is a useful tool to estimate the amount of federal student aid you may qualify for.

Assuming that you meet the eligibility criteria and are applying on time, you may receive some form of federal financial aid, especially if your SAI is less than your cost of attendance. Potential sources of federal student aid include the following programs:

Grants

Unlike loans, grants are free money to put toward your education that does not have to be paid back. After completing the FAFSA, students with proven financial need may receive aid in the form of a Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant or Pell Grant. Opportunity grants are allocated based on need, other aid awarded, and college budgets. Pell Grants change annually but the maximum award for the 2025–26 academic year is $7,395.

Work-Study

Federal work-study programs typically involve a part-time job on or off campus. Wages are typically set by the college but must meet minimum-wage requirements. Work-study schedules are intended to be structured around students’ classes.

Federal Loans

Eligibility for federal student loans is generally broader than for grants and work-study programs. Federal loans are either subsidized or unsubsidized, with subsidized loans being need-based and including interest deferment and grace periods. On the other hand, unsubsidized loans begin accruing interest as soon as they are paid out to borrowers.

Different types of federal student loans exist, and each has a maximum award amount according to dependency status and year of study. Dependent undergraduate students have an aggregate loan limit of $31,000 for all undergraduate study, while independent undergraduates can take out $57,500. Graduate students can borrow up to $138,500 for undergraduate and graduate study combined.

How Else Can I Pay for College?

If financial aid isn’t enough to cover your tuition and other education expenses, there are ways to make college more affordable.

Scholarships and Grants

Besides scholarships granted by your chosen college, there are opportunities offered by private foundations, community groups, and nonprofit organizations. Awards can be given based on academic merit, need, field of study, or participation in a specific sport or activity. An online scholarship search tool can help you unearth available awards filtered by school type, field of study, state, and more.

Try to stay on top of scholarship and grant applications and deadlines as they can come and go quickly. Winning a scholarship or a grant is basically finding free money, and you don’t want that money to go unclaimed.

The Takeaway

When determining how much federal financial aid you’re eligible for, remember that several key factors come into play: your dependency status, your Student Aid Index (SAI), and your school’s cost of attendance.

Filing your FAFSA application early and every year is crucial, as some aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. If federal aid, grants, and scholarships aren’t enough, there are still other avenues to explore to make college more affordable.

If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.

FAQ

How much does FAFSA usually give you?

FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal student aid, not a fixed amount. While the average federal award is $16,360, amounts can vary widely depending on your financial need and the school’s cost of attendance. Also the average award doesn’t include state or institutional student aid, which can also help you pay for school.

How can I check how much money FAFSA will give me?

You can get an estimate of how much federal student aid you may get by using the Federal Student Aid Estimator on the Federal Student Aid website (StudentAid.gov). To see the actual amount of federal (and other) financial aid you are able to get, you’ll need to wait for a financial aid offer from the colleges you apply to.

What does a 12,000 SAI mean?

A 12,000 Student Aid Index (SAI) is an eligibility index number, not a dollar amount that you are expected to pay. A college financial aid office will subtract your SAI (and any other grants or scholarships you’re receiving) from your school’s cost of attendance to determine your financial need. For example, if the school’s annual cost of attendance is $40,000 and your SAI is 12,000, your financial need is $28,000. This number helps the college decide how much need-based aid you may qualify for, including grants, scholarships, work-study jobs, and loans. However, colleges aren’t always required to meet 100% of your financial need.

What is the highest FAFSA grant?

The highest federal grant available through the FAFSA is the federal Pell Grant. The maximum Pell Grant award changes annually; for the 2025–26 academic year, it is $7,395. This grant is awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need and does not need to be repaid.

SoFi Private Student Loans
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.

Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 4/22/2025 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

SoFi Bank, N.A. and its lending products are not endorsed by or directly affiliated with any college or university unless otherwise disclosed.

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.

SOISL-Q425-001

Whether you’re a recent graduate looking to understand your total debt or a working professional tracking your progress toward paying off your loans, staying informed about your student loan balances is a crucial aspect of financial well-being. But for something that is so important, it can be surprisingly confusing to locate all your student loan information.

Keep reading to learn how to view your federal student loans, how to use the Federal Student Aid website, where to pay your student loans, and more.

How to View Federal Student Loans

Student loan holders can view their federal student loans via the Federal Student Aid (FSA), which is run by the Office of the U.S. Department of Education. It offers a convenient option for getting a comprehensive picture of all federal loans.

The FSA website can show you information on your federal student loans, including:

•  The number and types of loans you have

•  The initial amount of your loans

•  Your current loan balances

•  The interest rates on your loans

•  If any of your loans are in default

•  The name of your loan service provider and their contact information

Using the Federal Student Aid Website

In order to see your loan information on FSA, borrowers will need to create a new account. Current registrants can log in with their email, phone number, or FSA ID username and password. In addition to student loans, the site also has valuable resources including repayment plans and loan counseling.

Where Do I Pay My Student Loans?

Even though you can obtain all the information about your student loans through the FSA website, that is not actually where you pay your student loans. Once you’re logged in, borrowers should be able to see the name and contact information for their student loan servicer. The student loan servicer is the entity charged with collecting loan payments.

Once you know who your student loan servicer is, you should be able to set up an online account directly with the loan servicer. Some student loan servicers also offer the option to set up automatic bill pay.

If you don’t want to make your payments online, your student loan servicer’s website should also have information about making payments in other ways, like via check or bank transfer.

Recommended: 6 Strategies to Pay Off Student Loans Quickly

How Do I Pay My Student Loans?

The federal government offers a handful of options when it comes to federal student loan repayment. These repayment plans are designed for people with different types of financial situations and priorities — from those who want a straightforward way to pay off their loans in a 10-year period to those looking for income-driven repayment plans.

Here’s a quick rundown of the repayment options offered for federal student loans.

Standard, Extended, and Graduated Repayment Plans

•   The Standard Repayment Plan is the default loan repayment plan for federal student loans. Borrowers pay a fixed amount every month within 10 years in order to pay off their loan(s).

•   The Extended Repayment Plan is similar to the Standard Repayment Plan but instead of making payments over 10 years, the payments are extended up to 25 years.

•   The Graduated Repayment Plan also offers a 10-year repayment option. Under this plan, monthly loan payments start at a lower amount and are then increased every two years for up to 30 years.

If you’re just starting to pay back your student loans after graduation, you’ll likely be automatically assigned to the Standard Repayment Plan. You can change the repayment plan you are enrolled in at any time.

Income-Driven Repayment Plans

There are currently four income-driven repayment plans — Pay As You Earn (PAYE), Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE), Income-Based Repayment (IBR), and Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR). Under these plans, monthly payments are determined as a percentage of the borrower’s monthly income. Depending on the plan, borrowers have up to 25 years to repay their loans.

Note: SAVE is no longer available for new enrollments, and PAYE, ICR, and SAVE will be eliminated by July 1, 2028. Once these plans are eliminated, borrowers with loans issued before July 1, 2026 will choose between a standard fixed-term plan (10–25 years, based on balance), Income-Based Repayment (IBR), the new Repayment Assistance Plan (also income-based), and Graduated or Extended plans.

For loans issued on or after July 1, 2026, borrowers will only have two repayment options: the Revised Standard Plan or the Repayment Assistance Plan. Graduated and Extended plans will no longer be an option.

Student Loan Consolidation

The federal government may also have options for you to consolidate your student loans into a Direct Consolidation Loan, which would allow you to group all your loans together into a single loan from the government, with an interest rate that’s the weighted average of all your loans’ interest rates, rounded up to the nearest eighth of a percent.

Student Loan Refinancing

In addition to the repayment plans offered by the federal government, you might also consider refinancing your student loans with a private company. Loan refinancing pays off your current federal and private student loans with a new loan from a private lender.

The private lender will review factors like your credit history and income potential to determine your new terms. For some borrowers, student loan refinancing may result in a lower interest rate, lower monthly payments, or even a shorter repayment term — which could mean you spend less money in interest over the life of the loan. Conversely, if you refinance with an extended term, you may pay more interest over the life of the loan.

The Takeaway

Managing your federal student loans effectively starts with knowing the details of your debt. By using the Federal Student Aid (FSA) website and creating an FSA ID, you can easily access and review your loan information, including balances, interest rates, and payment history.

Looking to lower your monthly student loan payment? Refinancing may be one way to do it — by extending your loan term, getting a lower interest rate than what you currently have, or both. (Please note that refinancing federal loans makes them ineligible for federal forgiveness and protections. Also, lengthening your loan term may mean paying more in interest over the life of the loan.) SoFi student loan refinancing offers flexible terms that fit your budget.

FAQ

What is the official platform to view my student loans?

The official platform to view your federal student loans is the Federal Student Aid (FSA) website. This website provides comprehensive information about your loans, including balances, interest rates, and payment history.

What is an FSA ID and why do I need one?

An FSA ID is a username and password that allows you to securely access your federal student aid information on the FSA website. You need an FSA ID to log in and manage your federal student loans, as well as to sign important documents related to your financial aid.

How can I find out who my loan servicer is?

You can find out who your loan servicer is by logging into the FSA website with your FSA ID. Your loan servicer’s contact information will be listed there, and they can provide additional details about your loans and repayment options.

SoFi Student Loan Refinance
Terms and conditions apply. SoFi Refinance Student Loans are private loans. When you refinance federal loans with a SoFi loan, YOU FORFEIT YOUR ELIGIBILITY FOR ALL FEDERAL LOAN BENEFITS, including all flexible federal repayment and forgiveness options that are or may become available to federal student loan borrowers including, but not limited to: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), Income-Based Repayment, Income-Contingent Repayment, extended repayment plans, PAYE or SAVE. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. Learn more at SoFi.com/eligibility. SoFi Refinance Student Loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).

SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.