Why are they asking this information?

For this question, you are asked to report your intended degree or certificate for which you are apply for Federal financial aid. The Department of Education wants to know what area of study you intend to undertake academically while receiving federal funding. Undergraduate programs offer different types of aid and different amounts of federal financial aid compared to graduate types and amounts.

How to answer this question / fill out this section

There are several types and level of degrees and certificates for which you could potentially receive aid:

• 1st bachelor's degree
• 2nd bachelor's degree
• Associate degree (occupational or technical program)
• Associate degree (general education / transfer program)
• Certificate / diploma (occupational / technical / education program of less than 2 years)
• Certificate / diploma (occupational / technical / education program of at least 2 years)
• Teaching credential program (non degree program)
• Graduate / professional degree
• Other / undecided

Select one of these options from the drop down menu.

What is the 1st bachelor's degree on FAFSA?

A 1st Bachelor’s degree selection means that you had not previously sought or completed a Bachelor’s degree at an institution of higher education before this point. An Associate’s degree is not a Bachelor’s degree, for example, so that you could enter “1st Bachelor’s degree,” if you possess an Associate’s degree already. You do not enter “1st Bachelor’s degree” if you have already received one from an institution of higher education, even if it is for a different major.