At Rufus King International High School, we are committed to preparing every student for “Life After King.”
FAFSA Support
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the starting line for any student’s college journey and is a graduation requirement for all Rufus King students.
Rufus King’s Counseling Office and College and Career Center are open during school hours, and the district provides additional FAFSA support to families. Contact us anytime with your questions and concerns.
- FAFSA website
- FAFSA support and school-based events for MPS families
- Rufus King College and Career Center
FAFSA Myths
Don’t fall for these common myths and misconceptions about college funding, the FAFSA process, and scholarship eligibility.
Myth
My parents make too much money, so I won’t qualify for aid.
Fact
There is no income cut-off to qualify for federal student aid. Every student should complete and submit a FAFSA regardless of family income.
- Aid eligibility is determined by a mathematical formula that considers family income, parents’ ages, and other factors.
- When students submit the FAFSA, they are automatically applying for state-based education funds and possibly school-based funds.
- Many colleges and universities won’t consider a student eligible for scholarships until they have submitted the FAFSA.
Myth
Only students with ‘good grades’ get financial aid and scholarships.
Fact
Most federal student aid programs do not take a student’s grades into consideration.
- A high grade point average will help a student get into a more selective school and may help with academic scholarships.
- Students with an average academic record, or one that shows consistency/steady progress, do receive federal student aid.
Myth
My ethnicity or age makes me ineligible for federal student aid.
Fact
There are basic eligibility requirements, but a student’s ethnicity and age are not considered.
Myth
I support myself, so I don’t have to include parent info on the FAFSA.
Fact
Not necessarily! Even if a student lives and files taxes independently, they may still be considered a dependent student for federal student aid purposes.
- The FAFSA asks a series of questions to determine whether a student is financially independent.
- Preview the questions online.
- Independent students won’t need to include parent information on their FAFSA.
- Dependent students must provide parent(s) information on their FAFSA.
Complete Your FAFSA
Go to fafsa.gov and complete the application. For more information about federal student aid, go to studentaid.gov.
For help with the FAFSA process, use the help screens or live chat functionality on fafsa.gov, or contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243); TTY: 1-800-730-8913. For inquirers without access to the toll-free number call (334) 523-2691.