If you're heading to college next year, completing and filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is likely on your and your parents’ minds. It’s best to stop thinking and start doing—you should try to file the FAFSA as close to its opening date as possible, as most aid is administered on a first-come, first-served basis and can run out. While the federal government has made the whole filing process much easier, there are still some key things to remember when completing the FAFSA. Here’s everything you need to know.
1. Gather the appropriate information
Before you dive into the FAFSA, make sure you have all the required documentation. This includes:
- Social Security numbers (of both parents and student)
- Alien Registration Number (if you are not a US citizen)
- Driver’s license
- W-2s, other records of money earned, and records of untaxed income (if applicable)
- Bank statements and records of investments
- FSA ID to sign electronically (each parent and student needs an FSA ID)
- List of schools you’re interested in attending
If you’re a parent filing the FAFSA for your student, they will also need to provide many of the above documents.
Related: The Most Important Things to Know About Upcoming FAFSA Changes
2. File a new FAFSA each year
Even if this is your fourth time around, you need to file a new FAFSA with current information each year. The amount of money you’re offered for each FAFSA application lasts for one academic year, so for each year you plan on being in college, you will need to reapply for federal aid. And be sure to use the correct form online; for example, in 2024, you would file the FAFSA for the 2025–2026 school year.
3. Complete and file early
Get your calendar out, because you have important deadlines to write down. The FAFSA is typically available online starting October 1 of each calendar year (though things have been delayed the last couple of years; for example, it's set to open on December 1, 2024 after some recent updates). You can begin filling it out on the day that it opens, and you should file as soon as possible after that date to avoid missing out on potential aid. If you’re not able to file early, be sure to check with the admission and financial aid office at each of the schools you’re applying to. While the official deadline to file the FAFSA is June 30, you need to meet the deadlines set by each of the schools on your list.
4. Remember your state and school deadlines too
In addition to the federal FAFSA deadline, it's crucial to stay aware of both your state and school-specific financial aid deadlines. Many states and colleges offer their own grants, scholarships, or financial aid programs that also require the FAFSA but may have much earlier deadlines than the federal one. Missing these deadlines could mean losing out on significant financial support, even if you meet the federal deadline. Check with your high school counselor, the financial aid office at your college(s) of interest, and your state’s financial aid website to ensure you file on time for all opportunities.
5. Don't worry about tax information
Students and families could previously use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to electronically transfer their tax return information to their FAFSA. This not only saved time but also ensured that accurate information was inputted. But with the FAFSA Simplification Act, the process is now even easier. You won't need to opt to use the tool or gather tax returns because they are now automatically imported from the IRS, which you need to consent to in order to file the FAFSA and qualify for federal aid. This saves a lot of time and potential headaches trying to ensure your tax information is accurate.
6. Know which parent should file
In the case of a student with divorced or unmarried parents, Leslie H. Tayne, Esq.—a financial attorney and founder of Tayne Law Group in New York—says it can be difficult to determine which parent is supposed to file the FAFSA and whose income is accounted for. “If one parent has full custody, that parent should file, but if custody is split, the parent who provides greater financial support to the child should file,” she explains. And if the parent filing is remarried, Tayne says that parent’s new spouse’s financial information must also be included on the FAFSA.
7. Don’t omit information
This is one of the most frequent mistakes people make on the FAFSA. When inputting information, be sure to fill in every single field. If you leave a field blank, it’s assumed that you forgot to answer the question. When in doubt, enter a “0” or “not applicable” instead of leaving a blank.
Related: Financial Aid Application Mistakes Can Cost You
8. Send to all your schools of interest
Lindsey Conger, an independent college counselor at Moon Prep, always reminds families to send the FAFSA to all schools a student is considering. Initially, you can list up to 20 schools on your FAFSA. If you want to send the results to other schools, you can remove schools and add new ones after receiving your FAFSA Submission Summary (formerly called the Student Aid Report, or SAR). Each new school will then receive your FAFSA information. However, you must manage this process manually if you're applying to more than 20 schools.
9. Always complete the FAFSA
Even if you feel your family’s income is high, you need to apply, says Joe DePaulo, co-founder and CEO of College Ave Student Loans. “Many factors—not just household income—go into determining how much aid students receive,” he says. The number of people in the household, child support costs, and home equity can also impact a student’s award package. Minimally, DePaulo says most undergraduate students qualify for unsubsidized federal loans, and since access to these loans is not need based, your income doesn’t matter. Plus, if you do need to borrow, Federal Direct Loans are the best place to start since they have low fixed interest rates and repayment protections compared to private loans.
10. Sign with your FSA ID
Do not skip this step! When filing the FAFSA online, both parents and the student must sign electronically with their FSA ID in order for the application to be processed. Without both signatures, your FAFSA will be considered incomplete and you could miss out on valuable aid opportunities.
Related: 7 Things You Need to Do Before Filing the FAFSA
There are a lot of moving parts when it comes to filling out the FAFSA. Make sure you’re armed with all the knowledge you need to fill out your application efficiently and as accurately as possible. Being meticulous, careful, and timely with the FAFSA will ensure you get the best aid offers possible.
While you’re completing the FAFSA, don’t forget about outside scholarships too! Find free money using our Scholarship Search tool.
