@thumper1 “Yes you will need to complete a FAFSA in order for your kid to get the federally funded loan. You can complete it any time you choose during the academic year. The early filer thing is for limited funding aid types like federal work study and SEOG”
So does this mean she can wait for all of her college acceptances in say March 31, 2020 and then apply for the Stafford Loan?