The new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now available, and colleges, universities and career tech schools are encouraging prospective 2021 students to fill it out as soon as possible.

Students are directed to manage the student aid process by visiting this website: https://studentaid.gov/

At the site, students can apply for financial aid using the FAFSA form and learn about deadlines.

They can also review checklists for academic and financial preparation and manage student loans.

The new form is for students who will begin higher education courses, including vocational training, in fall, 2021.

This includes current high school seniors who will be attending college or trade school next fall as well as returning students at those institutions.