Can You Submit Multiple FAFSA Forms?

Are you eager to maximize your financial aid by submitting multiple FAFSA forms? You're not alone! Many students wonder if submitting more than one Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can boost their chances of receiving more aid. In this guide, we'll dive deep into the FAFSA submission process, debunk common myths, and provide you with strategies to secure the funding you need.

Key takeaways

• You can only submit one FAFSA form per academic year
• List up to 20 schools on a single FAFSA form to apply for aid from multiple institutions
• After submitting, you can add more schools by making corrections to your FAFSA

What is the FAFSA?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form that students and parents in the United States complete to apply for financial aid for college or graduate school. The U.S. Department of Education uses the information provided to determine your eligibility for federal student aid, including grants, loans, and work-study programs. Many states and colleges also use FAFSA data to award their own aid.

FAFSA submission limits

You might be tempted to submit multiple FAFSA forms, thinking it could increase your chances of getting more financial aid. However, students can only submit one FAFSA form per academic year.

Submitting multiple forms won't increase your aid and could actually cause confusion or delays in processing. Instead, it's crucial to understand how the FAFSA works and how you can make the most of a single submission.

Listing multiple colleges on one FAFSA

On your FAFSA form, you have the opportunity to list up to 20 colleges or career schools you're considering attending. Each school you list will receive your financial information and use it to determine your financial aid package. This means you only need to fill out the FAFSA once to apply for aid from multiple schools—a huge time saver!

Pro tips for listing schools

• Order matters (or does it?): In the past, the order in which you listed schools on the FAFSA could affect state aid eligibility. Nowadays, most states no longer consider the order, but it's still a good idea to check your state’s specific requirements just to be safe.
• Include all potential schools: Even if you're not sure you'll apply or attend a particular school, list it anyway. There's no penalty for including schools that you ultimately decide not to attend.

Need to add more schools?

If you're applying to more than 20 institutions, here's what you can do:

1. Submit your FAFSA with the initial list of schools.
2. Once you've received your FAFSA Submission Summary, log back into your account.
3. Remove some schools from your list and add new ones.
4. Resubmit your FAFSA.

Note: Schools that you've removed will still have your FAFSA information, but any corrections or updates you make after removing them will not be sent to those schools.

TuitionHero Tip

The FAFSA used to limit you to 10 schools, but now you can include up to 20! This change has made it easier for students to apply to a broader range of colleges.

Submitting and processing your FAFSA

Once you've filled out your FAFSA form, make sure all required contributors have signed it. This includes you and, if applicable, your parents or other contributors. An electronic signature (FSA ID) is required to submit the form online.

After submitting:

• Processing time: Your form goes to the Federal Student Aid Processing System, which generates a Student Aid Report (SAR) and Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR).
• Distribution: The ISIR is sent to the schools you've listed and relevant state agencies.
• Confirmation: You'll receive a confirmation email with your estimated Student Aid Index (SAI) and other important details.

TuitionHero Tip

Note on SAI: The Student Aid Index (SAI) replaces the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) starting with the 2024–25 FAFSA. The SAI is used by schools to determine your eligibility for need-based financial aid. For a deeper understanding, read our guide on how to calculate your Expected Family Contribution.

Understanding the types of financial aid available through FAFSA

Completing the FAFSA makes you eligible for various types of financial aid:

• Federal Grants: Such as the Pell Grant, which do not need to be repaid.
• Federal Student Loans: Including Federal Student Loans like Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans.
• Work-Study Programs: Opportunities to earn money while attending school.
• State and Institutional Aid: Many states and colleges use FAFSA data to award their own grants and scholarships.

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Dos and don'ts of submitting your FAFSA

Why trust TuitionHero

TuitionHero helps students navigate the FAFSA process by offering guidance on financial aid, including scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities. We simplify the steps to maximize your aid and help you make the most of your college funding options.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can I update my FAFSA after submitting it?

Yes, you can make corrections or updates to your FAFSA after submitting it. Simply log into your FAFSA account and select "Make FAFSA Corrections." Be sure to submit the corrections as soon as possible to ensure your schools receive the updated information.

What if my financial situation changes after I submit?

If there are significant changes to your financial situation, contact the financial aid offices of the schools you're applying to. They may adjust your aid package accordingly through a process called professional judgment.

Do I need to fill out the FAFSA every year?

Yes, you need to submit a new FAFSA form for each academic year you plan to attend college to continue receiving financial aid. Deadlines can vary from year to year, so always check the latest information.

How do I check the status of my FAFSA?

You can track your FAFSA status by logging into your account on the Federal Student Aid website. You'll see updates on processing and any actions needed.

Can undocumented students submit the FAFSA?

Undocumented students aren't eligible for federal financial aid but may qualify for state or institutional aid. Check with your state's education agency or the colleges you're interested in. For more information, read our guide on how undocumented students can secure college aid.

Is FAFSA a loan or a grant?

The FAFSA is neither a loan nor a grant. It's an application that determines your eligibility for various forms of financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study programs. To learn more, read our article on Is FAFSA a Loan or a Grant?

Can FAFSA cover graduate school?

Yes, the FAFSA can be used to apply for federal financial aid for graduate or professional school. Learn more in our article Can FAFSA Cover Graduate School?.

Are FAFSA grants taxable?

Some forms of financial aid are considered taxable income. For details, see our guide on Are FAFSA Grants Taxable?.

What if I'm an international student?

International students are generally not eligible for federal financial aid through the FAFSA but may qualify for other types of aid. Check with the colleges you're interested in for more information.

How can I maximize my financial aid?

Start by filling out the FAFSA as early as possible, ensuring all information is accurate, and applying for scholarships and grants. Consider reading our article on how to maximize your financial aid.

Final thoughts

Navigating the FAFSA process doesn't have to be overwhelming. Remember, you only need to submit one FAFSA form per academic year, and you can list multiple schools to maximize your financial aid opportunities. Stay informed, meet all deadlines, and reach out to financial aid offices if you have questions.

Source

• How To Complete the FAFSA® Form When You Have Multiple Children
• FAFSA® Application | Federal Student Aid