Why you should file the FAFSA right away

An influx of college financial aid applications this year means that money could run out for students who don't file early.

Due to financial strain caused by COVID-19, nearly 40% of families that didn't previously plan to apply for federal financial aid now expect to do so, according to a recently released survey from Discover Student Loans.

The federal government, states, colleges and other organizations use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, to award financial aid. You must complete the FAFSA to be considered for financial aid.

You have 21 months to submit the FAFSA f...