Why FAFSA Deadlines Matter

The FAFSA is the key to unlocking a variety of financial aid options, including federal grants, work-study programs, and loans. It’s also used by most states and colleges to determine eligibility for state financial aid and institutional scholarships. Each of these funding sources has its own deadlines, which means it’s important to keep track of them all. Missing the FAFSA deadline can lead to missing out on significant financial aid opportunities. 

Key FAFSA Deadlines You Need to Know

There are three main deadlines you should be aware of when filling out your FAFSA:

Federal Deadline:

The federal deadline for submitting the FAFSA is set by the U.S. Department of Education, and it’s the most straightforward deadline to remember. For the 2024-2025 FAFSA, the federal deadline is June 30, 2025. Even though the federal deadline is in June, don’t wait until the last minute to submit. You should aim to complete your FAFSA as soon as possible. 

State Deadlines:

Each state has its own FAFSA deadline for state-based financial aid, such as grants and scholarships. Some states have rolling deadlines, while others have specific cutoffs, often in February or March before the school year begins.

School-Specific Deadlines:

Colleges and universities often set their own FAFSA deadlines for institutional aid, such as scholarships or grants provided by the school itself. These deadlines can be significantly earlier than the federal or state deadlines and may vary depending on the school. Many schools require students to submit their FAFSA by November 1 (for early action or early decision applicants) or March 1 (for regular decision applicants) to be considered for institutional aid.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait: The Importance of Early FAFSA Submission

While the FAFSA deadlines may seem far off, early submission is always a smart strategy. Financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis for many programs. Submitting your FAFSA early gives you the best chance of securing need-based federal grants. Additionally, mistakes happen. So, if you have to correct your application all, you want more time to do so. Waiting until the last minute leaves little time for corrections, which could delay the processing of your aid.

Some state programs and institutional scholarships have limited funds. Once that funding runs out, it’s gone — and if you haven’t submitted your FAFSA, you won’t be eligible for those awards. Submitting early ensures you’re considered for all available funding before it runs out. Finally, submitting your FAFSA early can reduce stress. Knowing that you’ve completed an important step in your college journey means you can focus on other things, like applying to schools or preparing for standardized tests.

FAFSA deadlines are your gateway to securing financial aid for college, so it’s important to stay on top of them. The sooner you submit, the better your chances of receiving the most aid possible. Don’t wait until the last minute! By submitting your FAFSA early and ensuring you meet all relevant deadlines,  you’ll be setting yourself up for a smoother college financial journey. 

More about Jodi and College Financial Aid Advisors

Jodi is a FAFSA financial advisor who helps with the financial aid process to help families of college students maximize their financial aid. From completing the FAFSA and completing the CSS Profile to reviewing the SAR, responding to requests for verification, comparing financial aid offers and understanding student loan options, Jodi is a fantastic resource when it comes to student financial aid. Schedule a 15 Minute Power Chat to learn more about finding ways to pay for college.

1. Confirmation of Submission

Once you submit your FAFSA, you’ll receive a confirmation that your application has been successfully submitted. This confirmation will include a Student Aid Report (SAR), which summarizes the information you provided on your FAFSA. It’s important to review this report for any errors or missing information.

2. Student Aid Index (SAI) Calculation

Once your FAFSA is processed and any verification is completed, the federal government will calculate your Student Aid Index (SAI). This is essentially used to determine your ability to pay for college and the amount of aid you should receive. It replaces the old Expected Family Contribution. One other big change is that parents no longer receive a benefit for sending multiple children though college at the same time. 

3. Receiving Financial Aid Offers

After your FAFSA has been processed, each college or university you’ve applied to will receive your FAFSA data. The school’s financial aid office will then use this information to create a financial aid package for you. You will receive your financial aid offer from each school in the form of an award letter.

4. Reviewing and Comparing Financial Aid Packages

Once you receive your financial aid offers, take the time to carefully review each one. Financial aid packages can vary significantly from school to school, so it’s important to compare them to see which one offers the best financial assistance. Pay close attention to grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans offered. The payback options for each of these differ and should be carefully considered. 

5. Accepting Your Financial Aid

Once you’ve reviewed and compared your offers, you can begin the process of accepting your financial aid. For each school, you’ll need to accept or decline the aid package sent to you. Be sure to complete the paperwork and sign off on any letters they send. 

Remember, FAFSA needs to be submitted each year to continue receiving federal financial aid. Your family’s financial situation may change, so it’s important to reapply for FAFSA to ensure you’re receiving the financial aid you’re eligible for. 

Submitting your FAFSA is the first step toward securing financial aid for college, but there are several key steps that follow to ensure you get the most out of the process. Good luck! 

More about Jodi and College Financial Aid Advisors

Jodi is a FAFSA financial advisor who helps with the financial aid process to help families of college students maximize their financial aid. From completing the FAFSA and completing the CSS Profile to reviewing the SAR, responding to requests for verification, comparing financial aid offers and understanding student loan options, Jodi is a fantastic resource when it comes to student financial aid. Schedule a 15 Minute Power Chat to learn more about finding ways to pay for college.

Myth: “I Won’t Qualify for Aid, So I Don’t Need to Apply.” 

Fact: Many families are surprised to learn they qualify for grants, work-study, or low-interest loans, regardless of income level. Whether or not you think you’re going to qualify, it’s always worth submitting your application. You never know what might come of it – and if you don’t, there’s definitely no way you’ll receive aid! 

Myth: “FAFSA is Only for Federal Aid.” 

FAFSA is used by states and colleges to determine eligibility for their own financial aid programs, making it crucial even if you don’t expect federal aid. Again, if you don’t apply, you’ll never know. So make the time to submit your FAFSA as soon as possible! 

Myth: “You Only Need to Submit FAFSA Once.”

 FAFSA must be submitted every year to maintain eligibility for financial aid throughout college. Make sure you pay attention to the deadlines each year, otherwise you will not receive any aid for that year of school. Many students forget about this and wind up losing out on aid! 

Myth: “I should wait until I’m accepted to complete the FAFSA.”

Fact: Once you know that you’re applying to schools and the application is open, you should file the FAFSA! Don’t wait for acceptance letters to arrive. Instead, complete your application. You’ll have to list at least one school to submit the application, but you can add up to 20 so feel free to add any you plan to apply to. 

Myth: “It costs money to submit the FAFSA.”

Nope! If you’re paying for FAFSA, something is wrong. Now, help – like College Financial Aid Advisors – may help you prepare the application for a fee. But submitting the actual FAFSA is completely free! 

Now that you know a little more about the FAFSA, it’s time to submit your application! Take your time and check for accuracy, add your schools, and turn it in so you can hopefully qualify for funding. Best of luck! 

Who We Are

CFAA helps with the financial aid process, from completing the FAFSA and completing the CSS Profile to reviewing the SAR, responding to requests for verification, comparing financial aid offers and understanding student loan options. Schedule a 15 Minute Power Chat to learn more about finding ways to pay for college.

1. A Major Overhaul

One of the most noticeable changes is the reduction in the number of questions on the FAFSA form. Previously, there were over 100 questions. Now the form has been streamlined to just 36 questions, making it easier and faster to complete. This change is designed to improve accessibility for all students and reduce barriers to financial aid.

2. Elimination of the Expected Family Contribution 

Perhaps the most significant change for students and families is the replacement of the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) with the Student Aid Index (SAI).  The SAI, which replaces the EFC, is a more accurate and fair way to calculate need-based financial aid, especially for students from low-income backgrounds. This change also includes a more flexible approach to family circumstances and eliminates some of the complexities that were previously a barrier for many applicants.

3. Changes to Dependent Status Criteria

This year, there are new rules for determining whether a student is considered a “dependent” or “independent” student. The old system used a series of questions to determine dependency status, but now the criteria have been expanded. The new rules clarify which students can qualify as independent, particularly those who are veterans, married, or emancipated minors. 

4. Increased Pell Grant Eligibility

The FAFSA changes also come with an expansion of Pell Grant eligibility. The maximum Pell Grant award has increased, and more students will qualify for this need-based aid. This is especially beneficial for low-income students who rely heavily on Pell Grants to fund their education. With adjustments to the income thresholds and the elimination of some outdated criteria, more students will receive the full Pell Grant award. Hopefully this makes higher education more affordable!

5. The Introduction of Prior-Prior Year (PPY) Income Reporting

The change to the reporting of income on the FAFSA, known as Prior-Prior Year (PPY), allows students to use tax information from two years prior, rather than one. This adjustment allows families to file the FAFSA earlier in the academic year and ensures that students can access financial aid information sooner. This change has already been in effect for several years but remains important, as it helps streamline the process and allows for quicker processing of financial aid packages.

These updates can make applying for financial aid more straightforward, but they also require students and their families to stay informed. With simplified forms and earlier access to tax information, it’s easier to submit your FAFSA as soon as possible, which can increase your chances of receiving financial aid. 

Submit your application as soon as you can! Good luck!

More about Jodi and College Financial Aid Advisors

Jodi is a FAFSA financial advisor who helps with the financial aid process to help families of college students maximize their financial aid. From completing the FAFSA and completing the CSS Profile to reviewing the SAR, responding to requests for verification, comparing financial aid offers and understanding student loan options, Jodi is a fantastic resource when it comes to student financial aid. Schedule a 15 Minute Power Chat to learn more about finding ways to pay for college.

1. Create Your FSA ID

Before you even start filling out the FAFSA, you’ll need an FSA ID (Federal Student Aid ID). This will act as your electronic signature, and you’ll use it to sign and submit your application.

• How to do it: Go to fsaid.ed.gov to create your ID. You’ll need to provide your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and other details.
• Pro Tip: Keep your FSA ID safe and don’t share it with anyone, as it’s like your personal password to all things FAFSA-related.

2. Gather Your Documents

The FAFSA asks for a lot of personal and financial info, so it’s best to have everything ready before you start. The FAFSA will pull your tax information from the IRS, but it’s good to have other documents ready. Here’s a list of the most common documents you’ll need:

• Social Security Number (SSN)
• Driver’s License number (if applicable)
• W-2 Forms (or your most recent pay stubs if you don’t have W-2s)
• Bank Statements and records of savings and investments
• Records of Untaxed Income (if applicable, such as child support, veteran’s benefits, etc.)

3. List the Colleges You’re Applying To

You can list up to 10 colleges or universities on the FAFSA. They’ll all receive your financial aid information automatically, so make sure you include every school you’re considering applying to. Even if you haven’t made a decision yet, it’s a good idea to list multiple schools.

4. Fill Out the FAFSA Form

Now it’s time to start filling out the actual FAFSA! You can do this online at fafsa.gov, or you can download the myStudentAid app on your phone. Make sure to enter everything as accurately as possible.

• Personal Information: This includes your name, address, SSN, and more.
• School Information: Enter the schools you listed earlier.
• Financial Information: This is where your parents (if you’re a dependent student) will need to provide their income and tax info.
• Dependency Status: The FAFSA will ask if you’re a dependent or independent student. Most high school seniors will be considered dependent, meaning your parents’ info is required.

5. Double-Check Everything

Before you hit submit, take a moment to review all of your answers. Double-check your personal information, school choices, and financial details to ensure there are no mistakes. A small error (like a typo in your SSN) can delay the process, so be thorough!

6. Sign and Submit

Once everything is filled out correctly, it’s time to sign the FAFSA. If you’re a dependent student, your parents will also need to sign it. You can sign electronically with your FSA ID. After you’ve signed, hit submit!  You’ll receive a confirmation page with a submission number. Save this for your records!

7. Follow Up

After submitting the FAFSA, you’ll receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). This report summarizes the information you provided and tells you your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). It’s important to review your SAR to make sure there are no mistakes. Your chosen schools will use this information to determine how much financial aid you’re eligible for. You may be asked to provide additional documents, so be prepared.

Why It’s Worth Completing the FAFSA

Completing the FAFSA opens the door to a range of financial aid options, from federal grants to loans to work-study opportunities. Even if you think you might not qualify for aid, you should still apply—many students are surprised by the amount of aid they receive!

By following this checklist and staying organized, you’ll be on your way to securing the financial support you need for college. Start early, stay on top of deadlines, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you get stuck.

Good luck! 

More about Jodi and College Financial Aid Advisors

Jodi is a FAFSA financial advisor who helps with the financial aid process to help families of college students maximize their financial aid. From completing the FAFSA and completing the CSS Profile to reviewing the SAR, responding to requests for verification, comparing financial aid offers and understanding student loan options, Jodi is a fantastic resource when it comes to student financial aid. Schedule a 15 Minute Power Chat to learn more about finding ways to pay for college.

Here are a few key things you should know to maximize your financial aid opportunities: 

Understand Dependency Status: 

Your dependency status determines if you need to provide parental information. Most students under 24 are considered dependent, and require their parents’ financial details. If you’re an older student, this may not be the case. High school students are generally considered dependent students. 

Student Aid Index (SAI): 

The SAI is an index number calculated using the information you and your contributors provide on the FAFSA form. It can range from –1500 to 999999 and replaces the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) starting in the 2024–25 award year. Note that SAI is not a dollar amount but helps schools determine your financial aid eligibility. You can read more about the Student Aid Index here!

A Contributor on the FAFSA:

“Contributor” is a new term on the 2025-26 FAFSA form. It refers to anyone (you, your spouse, your biological or adoptive parent, or your parent’s spouse) who is responsible for potentially helping to pay. They provide their information, consent for federal tax information transfer from the IRS, and signature on your FAFSA form. 

Remember, all students should complete the FAFSA, no matter what you think you may or may not get from filing. Aid is given on a first come, first serve basis! Submit your forms accurately and on time to ensure you are eligible for whatever aid you can get! 

More about Jodi and College Financial Aid Advisors

Jodi is a FAFSA financial advisor who helps with the financial aid process to help families of college students maximize their financial aid. From completing the FAFSA and completing the CSS Profile to reviewing the SAR, responding to requests for verification, comparing financial aid offers and understanding student loan options, Jodi is a fantastic resource when it comes to student financial aid. Schedule a 15 Minute Power Chat to learn more about finding ways to pay for college.

Why Do I Have to File the FAFSA? 

The FAFSA is how the amount of aid a student receives via federal grants, loans,work study, and more is calculated. No matter what your financial situation, you should absolutely file the FAFSA. I can’t tell you how many times families have told me that they wouldn’t qualify – but the reality is that everyone should complete the FAFSA. You may never know what aid your student can receive! This is one of the most important documents to complete in the college application process.

2025-2026 FAFSA 

As mentioned, this year’s FAFSA is being released later to accommodate the changes that were made last year – and to avoid any mishaps like last year’s filing. Because of that, the time for schools to review and approve aid will be shorter, though they will be more prepared than last year! Either way, you want to be prepared to complete it as soon as possible once it is available. 

Prep Now Makes Submission Easier

Even though it might seem like there is sufficient time before December, time moves fast. The first thing you will need to do, if you have not done so already, is obtain your FSA ID. All you have to do is create a unique username and password. This will give you access to the online FAFSA application. It will also serve as your legal signature for submitting the completed application after it’s complete. Once that is in place, start gathering the following documents and information:

• Social Security Numbers for students and parents, or Alien Registration Numbers for non-U.S. citizens.
• Driver’s license. 
• Any applicable bank statements and records of investments to document additional income.
• Records of untaxed income, such as child support.
• Names of potential colleges for applications. You can add up to 10!

Independent students will only have to provide their personal information, while dependent students will need to provide it for themselves and their parents.

When you are ready to begin filing your FAFSA, be sure that you only go to the Federal Student Aid website at https://fafsa.ed.gov/. Remember, while you may pay someone to help you file – the actual filing should not cost you any money! The form itself is pretty easy to follow, but I know it can feel overwhelming so don’t be afraid to reach out if you have questions! Good luck!

More about Jodi and College Financial Aid Advisors

Jodi is a FAFSA financial advisor who helps with the financial aid process to help families of college students maximize their financial aid. From completing the FAFSA and completing the CSS Profile to reviewing the SAR, responding to requests for verification, comparing financial aid offers and understanding student loan options, Jodi is a fantastic resource when it comes to student financial aid. Schedule a 15 Minute Power Chat to learn more about finding ways to pay for college.

Filing the FAFSA 101:

In the past, the FAFSA was available in the fall. But, due to recent changes in the form, this year’s FAFSA for the 2025-2026 school year will be available starting December 1st. It’s important to file this form accurately as soon as possible. Financial aid is first come, first serve in most cases – so you need to get your paperwork in as soon as you can. 

Getting Started with the FAFSA

To get started, both students and parents of dependent students need an FSA ID to log onto the FAFSA site and electronically sign the application. Have materials you will need readily available before you start, so you won’t lose momentum each time you need a new piece of data. Gather Social Security numbers, driver’s license information, and income/investment information. They will be using the FUTURE Act Direct Data Exchange to gather information from your last tax return, but it won’t hurt to have the other information on hand. 

Both the student and the parent or parents of dependent students must provide financial information. Be very sure you understand who can be listed as your parent for financial aid purposes. Again, accuracy really matters here – any edits you have to make after submission will delay your aid. 

Have Your College List on Hand: 

You will be asked which schools are to receive your FAFSA. Have your list of  colleges available. You can include up to 20 schools. If you have more than twenty colleges, you can go back later and update your list. Most students won’t have more than 20, but it’s good to know! 

Common FAFSA Missteps:

Some of the following common missteps can impact your final aid amounts. Here’s a few things to watch for:

• Not completing an application at all: Don’t put yourself out of the running by not even applying. Most people are eligible for some sort of aid – don’t assume anything! 
• Proofing errors: Check your application carefully before sending it in. The name you use must exactly match the one on file with the Social Security Administration.
• Missing a deadline: There are several types of financial aid deadlines. Miss one and you could miss out. 
• Paying a fee: Although you may want to pay someone to help you complete your application, there is no fee to file a FAFSA. 
• Failure to sign: Use your FSA ID to electronically sign your FAFSA before submitting it online. 

Completing the FAFSA is one of the most important steps in your college application process. Remember to file as soon as you can and be accurate in order to receive the best possible financial aid for the next step of your academic journey! Good luck! 

More about Jodi and College Financial Aid Advisors

Jodi is a FAFSA financial advisor who helps with the financial aid process to help families of college students maximize their financial aid. From completing the FAFSA and completing the CSS Profile to reviewing the SAR, responding to requests for verification, comparing financial aid offers and understanding student loan options, Jodi is a fantastic resource when it comes to student financial aid. Schedule a 15 Minute Power Chat to learn more about finding ways to pay for college.

How to Apply for FAFSA

Before you dive into the FAFSA, gather all the necessary documents. This includes your driver’s license, Social Security number, and your FSA ID. With the FUTURE Act Direct Data Exchange (FA-DDX) (replacing the previous IRS Data Retrieval tool), a lot of information will be pulled from your family’s federal tax returns. But, it’s important to be able to double check every number and ID provided. If there’s untaxed income in your household or other assets, you’ll want to have the numbers ready for those components. Once you have everything in order, head to the FAFSA website, where you can create an account and fill out the application. Take your time, double-check your information, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it! Mistakes cost time and money when it comes to the FAFSA, so always double check your work to ensure that nothing is wrong. 

Review everything you’ll want to have on hand to file your FAFSA application here!

Don’t forget to have a list of the schools you want to send your FAFSA to onhand. You can submit it to up to 10 colleges at once, so have your list of top schools ready to go!

Understanding Your Financial Aid Package

Once you submit your FAFSA, you’ll receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) summarizing your information. This report is crucial because it helps schools determine your financial aid eligibility. Be sure to review it carefully and make any necessary corrections. After your schools process your FAFSA, you’ll receive financial aid offers that detail the types and amounts of aid available to you. Take the time to compare these offers and consider factors like grants (which you don’t have to pay back), loans (which you do), and work-study positions. This will help you make informed decisions about your education funding.

Remember, the FAFSA process can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone! Your school’s financial aid office  is there to assist you (and so am I!), so don’t hesitate to reach out with questions. By taking these steps and staying organized, you can unlock the financial resources you need to make your college dreams a reality. 

More about Jodi and College Financial Aid Advisors

Jodi is a FAFSA financial advisor who helps with the financial aid process to help families of college students maximize their financial aid. From completing the FAFSA and completing the CSS Profile to reviewing the SAR, responding to requests for verification, comparing financial aid offers and understanding student loan options, Jodi is a fantastic resource when it comes to student financial aid. Schedule a 15 Minute Power Chat to learn more about finding ways to pay for college.

FAFSA Overview 

The  FAFSA  is your gateway to federal financial aid, including grants, work-study programs, and loans. Nearly every college requires it, and it’s used to determine your family’s financial need. Now, you’ll get that information in the Student Aid Index.

Important things to know about the FAFSA include that it opens up 1 October in most years. This year, limited testing will begin for the new forms so don’t be surprised if you can’t fill it out right away. The deadline varies by school usually, but it’s often in the spring. As a reminder, I encourage you to fill it out as quickly as possible because financial aid is first come, first serve! 

CSS Profile Overview 

The CSS Profile is a financial aid form used by some private and a few public colleges to determine eligibility for institutional aid. Unlike the FAFSA, it digs deeper into your family’s finances and may require more detailed information about assets and expenses.

The CSS Profile is administered by the College Board and there are fees associated with filing. It will cost $25 for the first school,  $16 for each additional school (fee waivers available). This is not required for every school, but many private colleges will require it. Be sure to check your school’s financial aid requirements! 

Other Financial Aid Forms 

Some schools may also have their own financial aid forms. Make sure to consult each school’s website  for additional requirements. You don’t want to miss anything! Stay on top of any  state-specific forms  for aid, as these can offer additional funding opportunities.

Filing financial aid forms can seem like a chore, but the potential payoff is worth the effort. By staying organized, paying attention to deadlines, and understanding what each form requires, you’ll increase your chances of securing financial aid to help cover your education costs.

More about Jodi and College Financial Aid Advisors

Jodi is a FAFSA financial advisor who helps with the financial aid process to help families of college students maximize their financial aid. From completing the FAFSA and completing the CSS Profile to reviewing the SAR, responding to requests for verification, comparing financial aid offers and understanding student loan options, Jodi is a fantastic resource when it comes to student financial aid. Schedule a 15 Minute Power Chat to learn more about finding ways to pay for college.