FAFSA is the form you and your parents have to fill out to determine how much any college you decide to go to can expect you to pay and how much they can offer you in aid. The bad news is that whether your father has saved money toward college or not is NOT part of the contribution; they look at how much your parents make and what other obligations they have (if, for example, you have several siblings who are also coming up to college age). If your parents had very low income, their expected family contribution would be low. If, however, they earned money but chose to spend it on other things, there could be a very high expected family contribution. If they find that you have to pay and your parents won’t contribute, your best bet may be to start at a community college and work so that you can transfer as a junior. Alternatively, you may have to incur a lot of loans.

FAFSA is the Federal Application For Student Aid. It determines how much financial need you have have and how much your family should contribute (EFC). Once you complete the FAFSA, you wil get a SAR and you correct any information you need to on it. You SAR is sent to whatever schools you list on it. The schools then decide how you will be given financial aid. It will be made up of grants, scholarships, loans, and work study. You may have to apply for some of the scholarships.

I know one of the posters posted the link to the fafsa website, but you can also talk to a school guidance counselor about other grants and scholarships that may be available for you to apply for. For instance, all those sports you play; there may be scholarships available.

Once you fill out your FAFSA, you will know exactly how low your EFC is. The thing is, even if your dad doesn’t have much money saved, it also goes by his income as well and that can affect your EFC drastically.

check out their website below, i used it for college. to my understanding they find loans/grants/and financial aid for you. it doesnt hurt to try, its free (was for me) good luck!