Discover Student Loans is helping parents and students prepare for college financial aid with the introduction of the FAFSA Assistant, a free interactive online tool that offers tips and advice families can use when preparing to complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)®. Using several key personal questions, the tool will provide families with customized feedback to ensure they have the necessary documents at the ready when filling out the FAFSA on January 1.

The Department of Education provides more than $150 billion in grants, loans, and work-study funds each year. Completing the FAFSA is the first step in applying for federal student aid, and Discover Student Loans encourages families to complete it as soon as it’s available to take advantage of all aid programs and deadlines.

“The FAFSA provides students access to the largest source of college financial aid and is a critical step when planning for college,” said Andrew Hopkins, vice president of Discover Student Loans. “We strongly encourage all college-bound families to fill out the FAFSA but recognize that completing the FAFSA can sometimes be confusing and stressful. Discover Student Loans introduced this new tool to provide families with the information they need, in an easy to understand format, so they can be prepared to complete the FAFSA.”

The FAFSA Assistant helps answer what are sometimes confusing questions, such as whether a family is considered traditional or non-traditional or if a student is considered independent or dependent, during the FAFSA application process, as well as generate helpful tips.

The new tool will be supported with a number of useful articles, videos and resources that answer key questions and help families navigate the financial aid process. For more information visit www.CollegeCovered.com – a website designed to help students and parents plan and pay for college.

This resource is intended to help students and families prepare to complete the FAFSA. Discover Student Loans does not offer federal student loans and the FAFSA Assistant is not an application for federal student aid or affiliated with the Department of Education. Questions asked within the FAFSA Assistant are used to provide relevant tips and guidance based on a student’s and family’s situation. Information provided will be kept strictly confidential.

About Discover

Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) is a direct banking and payment services company with one of the most recognized brands in U.S. financial services. Since its inception in 1986, the company has become one of the largest card issuers in the United States. The company issues the Discover card, America's cash rewards pioneer, and offers private student loans, personal loans, home equity loans, checking and savings accounts and certificates of deposit through its direct banking business. It operates the Discover Network, with millions of merchant and cash access locations; PULSE, one of the nation's leading ATM/debit networks; and Diners Club International, a global payments network with acceptance in more than 185 countries and territories. For more information, visit www.discover.com/company.