How to Avoid Common FAFSA Mistakes That Cost You Money
By Sarah H on Updated:
Applying for scholarships and colleges is stressful enough. Filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is crucial for securing financial aid for college. However, simple mistakes can lead to delays, reduced aid, or even disqualification. Avoid these common FAFSA errors to maximize your financial aid opportunities.
1. Missing the FAFSA Deadline
FAFSA has both federal and state deadlines, and missing them can cost you thousands in aid.
- The federal deadline is June 30, but many states and colleges have earlier deadlines.
- Some aid is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis—apply early!
- Use the FAFSA website (https://studentaid.gov/) to check specific deadlines for your state.
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2. Entering Incorrect Information
Errors on your FAFSA can lead to delays and processing issues.
- Double-check your Social Security Number (SSN) and legal name as they appear on official documents.
- Make sure your tax information matches what’s on your IRS records.
- Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) to automatically import tax information and reduce errors.
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3. Not Listing the Right Schools
FAFSA allows you to list up to 20 colleges, but failing to include all potential schools can limit your options.
- List all schools you’re considering, even if you haven’t applied yet.
- Schools use your FAFSA data to determine aid eligibility—if they’re not listed, you won’t receive aid from them.
- Some states require schools to be listed in a particular order for state aid consideration, so check your state’s guidelines.
4. Underestimating or Overestimating Income
Incorrect income reporting can reduce or eliminate aid eligibility.
- Do not guess—use tax returns and W-2 forms for accurate income reporting.
- Report untaxed income, such as child support, but do not include assets like retirement savings.
- Be honest about your dependency status—misreporting can result in application rejection.
5. Failing to Sign and Submit the FAFSA
An incomplete application won’t be processed, causing unnecessary delays.
- Both students and parents (if dependent) must sign using their FSA IDs.
- Submitting without a signature can cause delays—always confirm submission via email.
- After submission, regularly check your FAFSA status to ensure everything is processed correctly.
Final Thoughts
Avoiding these common FAFSA mistakes can help you maximize your financial aid and avoid unnecessary stress. By submitting early, entering accurate information, and reviewing your application thoroughly, you can secure the funding you need for college.
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