Your March 15 FAFSA Update
At long last, we can report that student FAFSA processing is underway. Student files are being transmitted to colleges, universities, and state higher education agencies.
It will take a few more weeks for the Department of Education (ED) to reach the finish line.
As of this writing, there isn’t a known number of files transmitted, but the action plan calls for a continual increase until the backlog is cleared.
According to ED, support staff has been dispatched to many institutions to assist with the receiving and processing of student records. Webinars are also being conducted for receiving staff to update and train staff on recent changes.
The new FAFSA is a complete overhaul of the system/process. Last-minute adjustments are not unusual.
What’s Next?
If you haven’t filed your FAFSA, you should do it immediately. Your institutional and state aid (if applicable) may be lower if you file too late.
So far, there has been only one system pause on March 8, but others may follow.
Electronic filers will receive an email when their file has been processed. It is unclear how paper filers will be notified.
Once the email is received, corrections can be made and students can view their Student Aid Index (SAI) calculation.
Previous filers that haven’t submitted a new application will also receive an email.
Students should start to receive their financial aid packages in April.
High school seniors and their families should set aside time, to carefully review and evaluate packages to determine the best option.
As new information is received, it will be posted at the top of this page.
You can read our previous FAFSA posts for background information.
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