Fafsa when do you find out

The timeline varies among schools, but here is what you can expect during that process. Depending on the schools you applied to, they may come back to you asking for additional scholarship, grant, or financial aid information. Some students applying to select colleges and universities are also required to fill out a standardized form called the CSS Profile , which assesses the financial history of students and their families to determine their eligibility for institutional financial aid.

While your application is being processed, the U. It will also show your Expected Family Contribution EFC , a number that helps determine your eligibility for federal student aid. Your financial aid award letter is what individual schools will send you. The award letter will come around the same time as acceptance letters from your schools, typically around March or April. Once you receive your award letter, you can use an award letter comparison tool to get an apples-to-apples look at your offers.

Considering the cost of attendance, remember that there are many other costs not outlined in your financial aid award letter. There are many costs to consider that go beyond tuition like, books, travel, clubs, off-campus housing, and dining.

Many scholarships are available year-round. Details you submitted on your FAFSA form that determine your EFC include taxed and untaxed income, additional assets, benefits, and the number of people in your family. Remember that some schools have similar names or multiple campuses, and this can affect the cost of attendance or confuse your approval process if your form goes to the wrong place.

Carefully selecting the proper Federal School Code prevents this error. Keeping the government accurately informed will go a long way toward making sure you receive your FAFSA money when and where you need it. Some schools select students randomly while others require verification for all applicants. Apply Pick the loan you would like to apply for or Find Your Application. Complete additional financial forms, if needed. All of this information should be reviewed carefully, as follows: Reviewing Your Expected Family Contribution EFC This number is just as it sounds — the amount your family is expected to contribute toward your college education.

Mistakes happen, school choices change, and financial circumstances can shift. Relevant Articles. Read Article. Use this step