It hasta be FAFSA: Financial Aid 1A

Unless you plan to blow off trying for any financial aid at all, you need to grapple with the FAFSA. That's is the labyrinthine Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

It seems odd to me that this info is largely aimed at the students. I know there are students who have to work this entire process themselves, but for the many who don't, this level of detail about the family finances is not the kids' bailiwick.

But anyway. For parents/guardians or students doing the process themselves, FAFSA4caster is a place to start, aimed at juniors:

If you want to begin exploring your financial aid options and get an early start on the financial aid process, FAFSA4caster is for you! By using FAFSA4caster, you and your family will receive an early estimate of eligibility for federal student aid.

And here's the dread FAFSA itself.