If you’re looking for a FAFSA step-by-step guide, you’re on the right page. We’ll discuss the FAFSA application process from start to finish.
What is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)? This financial aid form is used to determine a college student’s financial aid eligibility. Here are its main features.
Who can complete and submit it?
Applicants must be U.S. citizens, eligible non-citizens, or eligible international students.
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Why should you use it?
If you want to apply for federal financial aid, complete and submit the FAFSA. Grants, loans, and work-study are the types of federal financial aid. Many states, colleges, and private organizations also use it.
When should you complete it?
The FAFSA form is available on October 1 every year for the next academic year. For the 2026-2027 academic year, the FAFSA opens on October 1, 2025.
The federal deadline is June 30 of the academic year (i.e., June 30, 2027). Corrections and updates must be made by September 14, 2027.
State and college deadlines, however, are different from the federal deadline. For this reason, you must submit it ASAP. As soon as the FAFSA opens, complete it and submit it as early as possible.
Early submission also brings many benefits, including:
- Increased access to financial aid because of a first-come, first-served basis
- More time to make corrections and updates, if necessary
- Better financial planning since you’re more on point with your costs and aid
- More time to explore scholarships and grants to supplement federal aid
How can you complete it?
Visit studentaid.gov or the myStudentAid mobile app. You’ll find tips, too, on how to complete the FAFSA online here.
Gather Required Documents Before Starting
Start the FAFSA application process on the right foot by reviewing the form first. You can also print the FAFSA form and fill in the information as a draft. When you’re sure of your answers, you can complete the online form.
Online submission is strongly recommended.
Then, you can gather the documents needed for FAFSA.
This is used to verify your identity and your parents’ identity if you’re a dependent. Either one is also used to check for federal aid eligibility.
Driver’s license or state ID, if applicable
Either one is used for additional identity verification.
Federal income tax returns (1040 Form) from two years prior
These are used to determine the students’ and parents’ tax information. Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool or IRS DRT to import tax information.
W-2 Forms and Records of Earned Income
These forms help to determine income earned from employment by the student and their parents.
Both the 1040 and W-2 Forms are crucial in calculating EFC or SAI.
Bank statements & records of investments (if applicable)
These documents provide information about savings and checking accounts, investments, and other assets. Your family’s assets have a significant influence on financial aid eligibility.
Records of untaxed income, if applicable
Untaxed income includes veteran benefits, child support, and disability benefits. These are considered financial resources available to the student.
FSA ID (Federal Student Aid Identification)
Your FSA ID—and if you’re a dependent, your parent’s FSA ID—is crucial in the process. You’ll use it to sign and submit the FAFSA electronically.
Create a FAFSA Account (FSA ID)
The first official step in how to apply for financial aid is creating your FSA ID. If you’re a dependent, your eligible parent must create a different FSA ID. It is a unique username and password that allows its user to:
- Log in to FAFSA
- Sign and submit the FAFSA electronically
- Access federal student aid records
With its crucial importance, remember these FSA ID-related FAFSA tips for students.
Setting Up an FSA ID for Yourself and Your Parent, If Applicable
Go to the official FAFSA website and then its FSA ID page. Then, follow these steps.
- Enter your personal information, including:
- Valid email address (i.e., must be different from your parent’s email address)
- Full legal name
- SSN or ARN
- Date of birth
- Create your unique username and password. Be sure that it’s easy to remember but isn’t obvious. Choose a strong password, too.
- Set up your security questions and answers.
- Verify your contact information (e.g., phone number and email address). You’ll receive verification codes to input.
- Review the entered information and agree to the terms and conditions. Then, submit.
You’ll wait 1-3 days for your FSA ID to become fully active.
Importance of Keeping Login Credentials Secure
Your FSA ID provides access to your personal and financial aid information. For this reason, you must keep it safe and secure. Doing so means you can:
- Prevent identity theft
- Make corrections and updates on your FAFSA
- Renew your FAFSA applications
- Make quick recoveries of your account
You’ll use the same FSA ID for your entire college journey, too.
Start the FAFSA Application Online
With your FSA ID, you can start the FAFSA application process.
Overview of the FAFSA Website and Login Process
- Visit the official FAFSA website, particularly its “Create Account” page.
- Click “Get Started” if you’re a new user or “Log In” if you’re a returning user.
- Log in using your student FSA ID. Enter your username and password.
- Verify your personal information, if necessary.
Choosing the Correct FAFSA Year
If you’re applying for multiple years, you must choose the correct FAFSA year. Why? First, FAFSA eligibility requirements can change from year to year.
Second, different FAFSA years apply to different academic years. Choosing the incorrect year can result in applying incorrect information, among others.
Here’s how to choose the correct FAFSA year.
- If you’re a first-time applicant, choose the FAFSA year for the academic year when you’ll start college.
- If you’re a returning student or renewing your FAFSA, select the FAFSA for the next academic year.
- If you’re attending school in two academic years or summer terms, submit two FAFSA applications.
Always double-check the FAFSA deadlines and requirements before submitting.
Fill Out Personal and School Information
Here’s a more detailed look at filling in your personal and school information:
Entering Your Student Details
Your personal details go into the Student Information Section. Enter the correct and complete information to prevent processing delays.
- Full legal name. Check that it’s exactly as it appears on your SSN or ARN and other government-issued IDs.
- Date of birth. Format is MM/DD/YYYY (April 23, 1999 = 04/23/1999). Check that it matches your IDs and school records.
- SSN or ARN, whichever is applicable
- Citizenship status
- Marital status
- Selective Service Registration (For males 18-25 years old)
Listing Multiple Colleges to Receive FAFSA Information
You can list as many as 20 colleges on your FAFSA application. Every school listed will receive a copy, but they won’t see the other schools.
- Use the unique college code for each college. Check the Federal School Code Search within FAFSA for this purpose.
- Log into your FAFSA account to add or change schools after you’ve submitted your FAFSA.
Enter Financial Information
You must enter complete and accurate financial information, too. Your financial information has a significant impact on your financial aid eligibility.
Using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool
- On FAFSA’s “Financial Information” section, click “Link to IRS”.
- Log in using the FSA ID of whoever is the tax filer (student or parent).
- Verify your identity on the IRS website.
- Click “Transfer My Tax Information into the FAFSA.”
Afterward, you’ll be redirected to the FAFSA website.
Explaining Parental Financial Details
If you’re a dependent student, you must also enter your FAFSA parent income information. You must also enter your separate financial information.
The required parental financial information includes the following:
- Household size and number of family members in college
- Number of dependents in the household
- Tax return information
- Income earned from work if a non-tax filer
- Assets including bank accounts, investments, and real estate (but exclude family home)
What to Do If You’re an Independent Student
In this case, you don’t need to provide your parents’ financial information.
Sign and Submit the FAFSA Form
Here are the basic steps on how to submit a FAFSA online.
Electronically Signing the FAFSA Form
If you’re a dependent student, you and your eligible parent must sign using your own FSA IDs. You only need to sign the form if you’re an independent student.
- Go to the “Sign & Submit” section.
- Click “Provide Student Signature”.
- Enter your FSA ID’s unique username and password.
- Confirm your signature.
- Click “Submit My FAFSA Now.”
Your parent can sign on the “Provide Parent Signature” section.
Why Review Your Application Before Submission
Double-check for completeness and accuracy before submission. Errors can result in processing delays and, at work, loss of eligibility.
On another note, the FAFSA for online college students is the same for on-campus students. But be sure to check if your online college and program qualify for federal financial aid.
Regional or national accreditation, as well as Title IV eligibility, are crucial. Use the FAFSA School Code Lookup Tool to check, too. Also, communicate with the financial aid office for more information.
What to Expect After Submitting FAFSA
How long does FAFSA take to process? It depends on the submission format and the need for corrections, updates, or additional documentation.
- Online submission – About 3-5 days
- Paper submission – About 7-10 days
It can take 3-5 days more if you submit corrections online. But it can take up to two weeks if done manually.
Confirmation Email and Student Aid Report (SAR)
You’ll receive a FAFSA confirmation email after submitting your FAFSA. This contains instructions on reviewing your Student Aid Report (SAR).
In turn, the SAR is a summary of your FAFSA submission. It contains your EFC or SAI, as well as missing information, errors, and others that require correction.
How to Check FAFSA Application Status
- Log in to the official FAFSA website.
- Click “My FAFSA”.
- Perform the appropriate action based on the status.
- Processed Successfully
- Action Required
- Pending (Still in process)
You can get in touch with your college’s financial aid office. Also, you can call Federal Student Aid at 1-800-433-3243.
Understanding Your Financial Aid Package
Your financial aid package can consist of grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.
How FAFSA Data Determines Federal Student Aid
Colleges use your SAI in calculating your financial aid package. Their calculation considers many factors, including your:
- Dependency status
- Household assets and income
- Family size and number of siblings in college
- Cost of attendance
Check the types of aid in your financial aid package. Communicate with your college’s financial aid officer for clarifications.
Next Steps for Accepting or Declining Offers
You have the choice to accept or decline the financial aid offer. But don’t do it outright without taking these steps.
- Read your financial aid letter. Understand its terms and conditions. Compare grants between schools, if necessary.
- Discuss the pros and cons with trusted peers, relatives, or a financial aid officer.
- Accept free money first, then work-study, and loans last.
- Complete the financial aid requirements, if any.
- Notify your college about your acceptance or rejection before the deadline.
You can also request a review if your financial situation changes.
Common FAFSA Mistakes to Avoid
These common FAFSA mistakes to avoid can cost you your financial aid if you make them.
- Missing deadlines. You’re missing out on free money, work-study opportunities, or low-cost loans.
- Entering incorrect income information. You can get lower financial aid or, worse, become ineligible for it.
- Not listing all eligible colleges. You’re also missing out on potential financial aid offers.
Final Tips and Resources
If you have questions or concerns, you can check out these free resources.
- Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC): 1-800-433-3243 (TTY: 1-800-730-8913)
- Financial aid office and their financial aid counselors
- State and local assistance for FAFSA, such as libraries and community centers
- Official social media sites, such as the Federal Student Aid YouTube Channel and FAFSA Twitter
Most importantly, apply early every year so you can maximize your aid opportunities.