How Do I Submit my FAFSA?

The FAFSA is a lengthy form, and can be a daunting one — especially for those who are applying for financial aid for the first time. Be prepared for the hassle but don’t let it deter you from submitting your FAFSA and getting the aid for which you qualify.

Before you begin, make sure you’ve done the necessary prep work – that you’ve created an FSA ID, understand your dependency status and gather important documents.

Here’s a list of documents you need to get started. If you don’t have all the documents ready yet, it is perfectly okay to start your FAFSA, save it, and come back later to finish it.

To submit your FAFSA, you may choose one of these methods:

FAFSA Online

The easiest and fastest way to complete the FAFSA is through the online application at StudentAid.gov , which now features a fully “mobile-friendly” design that can be easily accessed and completed on any device.

Submitting your FAFSA online rather than using the paper or PDF form offers several advantages:

Immediate processing.
Most submitted FAFSA forms are processed immediately. Required contributors must complete and sign their sections before processing can begin.
Quicker access to your FAFSA Submission Summary.
You’ll receive it sooner than if you file using the paper or PDF form.
Greater accuracy.
The online form includes built-in edit checks that help prevent common errors.
Automatic tax data transfer.
The IRS Direct Data Exchange (DDX) securely retrieves your tax information and transfers it directly into your FAFSA.
More college choices.
The online FAFSA allows you to list up to 20 schools, while the paper form limits you to 10.

The redesigned FAFSA uses “skip logic” so that students and contributors see questions that apply to their circumstances.

To help you through the process, step-by-step instructions in plainer language are also provided throughout the online application process, so you won’t get bogged down by the form’s confusing financial jargon.

PDF FAFSA

PDF is also available for you to print and fill out manually or is screen-fillable. Remember, you must sign, date, and mail the form to the address provided for processing.

Paper FAFSA

If you don’t have Internet access, you can request a paper FAFSA by calling the
Federal Student Aid Information Center
(800) 433-3243

FAQ

When should FAFSA be completed?

October 1 is the earliest day you can submit your FAFSA. The federal deadline is June 30. State and college deadlines may be earlier; check the deadline for your state and school.

Some state and college aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so submitting early may improve the chance of receiving that aid.

Do I need to submit a FAFSA every year?

Yes. You must submit the FAFSA for each school year that you want to receive financial aid. But once you’ve submitted it the first time, you can do a FAFSA renewal in subsequent years. Use your FSA ID to access your original FAFSA.

How do I list colleges on FAFSA?

While completing the FAFSA, you can list up to 20 schools online or up to 10 on the PDF form. The order does not matter for federal aid, though some states may require a specific order for state aid.

If you haven’t decided where you’re applying, list the schools you think are possibilities. If you change your mind, you can always update your FAFSA later.

What happens after FAFSA is submitted?

If your application is complete, your FAFSA Submission Summary will be available on the dashboard of your StudentAid.gov account, along with a reference to your Student Aid Index (SAI).

After you apply and are admitted, each school you listed can use your FAFSA information to assess your financial need and prepare a financial aid offer.

Will my FAFSA application be processed if my school is closed?

The Department of Education’s FAFSA Processing System (FPS) processes your FAFSA information and sends it to each school you list, whether or not the school is closed.

How do I contact FAFSA for help?

If you need help completing the FAFSA, you can contact the FAFSA customer service number: (800) 433-3243 or ask for help online by hitting the “Help” button when you are filling out your actual FAFSA application.

For step-by-step guidance, review Federal Student Aid’s instructions for completing the FAFSA .