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:

Faster processing.
Filing online can reduce processing time by one to two weeks.
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.

Unlike the FAFSA in the past, the newly-redesigned Better FAFSA will implement “skip logic” so that students and parents see only the questions that apply to them, skipping the unnecessary ones.

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

When should FAFSA be completed?

October 1 is the earliest day you can submit your FAFSA. The official deadline is June 30 but may differ from state to state. In general, you should complete it no later than June 30 or file no later than April 1 in order to meet the state “priority” deadline.

While the form is technically not due until June 30, you’ll have a better chance of receiving financial aid if you fill out the form as soon as it becomes available as some aid is first come, first served.

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’ll be asked to enter FAFSA school codes for up to 10 schools where you plan to apply, usually in order of preference.

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).

Using that information on your SAI, the schools you listed will determine your financial need and prepare a financial aid award package for you.

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

ED’s Central Processing System still will process your FAFSA information and will send it to each school you list on your FAFSA, whether or not your 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.

To make sure you have what you need when you apply/renew, use the FAFSA on the Web Worksheet which includes a preview of the questions in the same order as they will appear in the online application.