How to Check the Status of a FAFSA Application

Just about every student who enters his freshman year of college is encouraged to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application. Your anxiety over the results of this application, on top of the sheer number of applications that must be reviewed, may make it seem like it is taking too long to get your answer. Luckily, it's easy as pie to check the status of your application.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Print the confirmation page for your FAFSA application if you submitted your application online. This should appear after you have completely filled out and submitted your application, along with any other necessary documents. The page should include the time and date that you completed your application as well as your full name and Social Security number.

2. Wait 3 to 5 business days if you have submitted your application online and signed it with an electronic PIN number.

3. Wait 7 to 10 business days if you signed your paper application and mailed it to the federal processor.

4. Log on to the FAFSA website (see Resources below). You may check your status in this manner, regardless of whether you submitted your application electronically or physically.

5. Click on the "Check Status of a Submitted FAFSA or Print Signature Page" link in the "FAFSA Follow Up" section.

6. Click "Next" on the FAFSA Follow Up page. This will take you to the Check Status of a Submitted FAFSA page.

7. Enter the information requested to obtain your information. The website will ask you for your Social Security number without the dashes, last name, first name, date of birth and the year of your application. Click "Submit" when you have filled out this information.

8. Note the dates you checked the status of your FAFSA. You'll want to keep this handy in case the allotted time passes without a decision on your application.

9. Call the U.S. Department of Education Student Aid Information Center if you have any trouble with receiving your application status or if you must check your status while away from your computer. The toll-free number for the center is [phone]. For TTY users, it is [phone].

Tips & Warnings

• It is best apply for the FAFSA under the guidance of one of the financial-aid counselors at your school. They usually know all the tips and tricks of filling out successful applications.

Resources

• FAFSA.ed.gov for status checks