What Happens Next?
FAFSA Submission Summary
After you complete the FAFSA, you'll get a FAFSA Submission Summary that shows your estimated eligibility for a Federal Pell Grant and federal student loans, your Student Aid Index (SAI), and whether you’ve been selected for verification.
For more information on what to expect, visit the FAFSA Submission Summary webpage.
College Award Letter
The colleges where you have been accepted, and the ones you listed on your FAFSA, will send you an award letter that details the financial aid you can expect if you attend that school.
Consider the offer outlined in each college award letter, which may include grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs. Make sure you know what is a grant award and what is a loan. Examine each award to determine if it applies for more than the first year and if there are conditions to receiving or continuing the award – such as maintaining a certain GPA, declaring a certain major, or living on campus.
When you have chosen a school, tell the financial aid office that you accept or reject all or part of the financial aid package. Complete any other forms required by the school.
Apply for Aid Each Year You're in College
Never assume that the assistance you receive in your first year of college will remain consistent in subsequent years, as various factors such as changes in income, family size, and the number of family members in college can impact your financial aid.
It's essential to carefully review each program's application and reapply annually when necessary. Federal student aid eligibility doesn't automatically carry over from one award year to the next, so you must fill out the FAFSA form each year you are a student.