LPS FAFSA Completion Graduation Guidelines
Fund Your Future – File Your FAFSA
Complete by April 18, 2025 for graduation
The 2025-26 FAFSA opens on Dec.1, 2024.
Lincoln Public Schools is dedicated to preparing ALL students for successful careers, lifelong learning and civic engagement.
Helping our students achieve their higher education dreams is a part of fostering lifelong learners. College is attainable and can be affordable by utilizing federal dollars. This is why we encourage our graduating seniors to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
What is the FAFSA?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an online form by the U.S. Department of Education to help colleges and career schools determine what federal money they can give you to help pay for school. The application must be completed every school year.
The types of financial aid that you could receive from the FAFSA include grants like the Pell Grant, scholarships, work-study funds and student loans.
Why is completing the FAFSA a graduation requirement for LPS students?
Nebraska state law (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 79-729) states that each public high school student shall complete or opt out of filing the FAFSA form before graduating high school beginning in the 2024-25 school year.
LPS graduating seniors have two choices to fulfill this graduation requirement:
- Complete the FAFSA by the specified deadline given by the school district.
- Opt out of completing the FAFSA by the specified deadline given by the school district.
Filing the FAFSA is also a crucial step in funding your future. It is reported millions of federal dollars go unclaimed every year by graduating seniors not filling out the FAFSA. Don’t leave money on the table!
LPS school counselors are committed to helping students make the best post-graduation choices for themselves and providing the necessary support.
Complete by April 18, 2025 for graduation
The 2025-26 FAFSA opens on Dec.1, 2024.
Why do the FAFSA?
- High school seniors left more than $4 billion behind in Pell Grants in 2024 by not completing a FAFSA.
- The U.S. Department of Education updated and simplified the FAFSA in 2023.
- The new FAFSA form has expanded eligibility allowing up to 610,000 more students to qualify for federal student aid.
- The new FAFSA now gives students access to an additional $1.8 billion in federal student aid.
- Are you planning to stay closer to home for college? Several Nebraska colleges and universities offer free tuition for first-time undergraduate students who are eligible for the Pell Grant.
Want to Opt Out?
LPS seniors can choose not to complete the FAFSA right now by completing the opt out form. Find the form in your language below.
Need help?
LPS school counselors are here to make your post-graduation goals accessible.
Below are some FAFSA resources:
- Meet with your school counselor.
- Check out events from your counseling center relating to FAFSA and college aid.
- Visit EducationQuest’s website to access FAFSA help tools or schedule an appointment with one of its advisors.
- Browse the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov for additional support.
- Collaborate with your college or university’s financial aid office.
- Watch this five-minute FAFSA how-to video (below).
LPS Contact
Lori Hemmett
School Counseling Supervisor
lhemmett@lps.org | 402-436-1662
