Making Changes to Your Federal Student Aid Application (FAFSA)
Completing a federal student aid application (FAFSA) is the first step in the
student aid process.
The information you provide on your FAFSA helps determine your
estimated family contribution (EFC),
as well as your financial aid eligibility and award amounts. Make sure you complete
your FAFSA accurately so you don't miss out on opportunities for student aid!
But as the saying goes, stuff happens. If you make a mistake on your FAFSA, no worries!
Follow the guidelines below for making changes online, on paper, or by telephone.
Making Changes to Your FAFSA Online
Online corrections are the fastest way to update your application. With a student
personal identification number (PIN), you can correct anything on the application
except for the student's birth date.
What steps do I follow to make online corrections?
- If you just need to add another college, go online to
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov
and follow the step-by-step directions.
- If you have other changes, go online to
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov
- Select the academic year for which you are making corrections in the drop-down
menu on the screen that appears, choose "NEXT," and then continue to follow the
on-screen instructions to make changes to your FAFSA.
- Simply enter the correct information next to the original response. Don't worry
about clicking the "Delete the Answer" check box.
- Be sure to have a parent sign the online correction if you are a dependent. A
signature is typically required when information about a parent is corrected (such
as tax or financial information). The parent signature may be provided electronically
with a parent PIN or by following the on-screen instructions to have the parent
print, sign, and mail the signature page.
- You must complete all steps and receive the confirmation stamp for your changes
to be accepted.
Making Changes to Your FAFSA on Paper
You can correct any FAFSA item on paper using your
Student Aid Report (SAR),
which is generated by the Department of Education after your FAFSA is processed.
What steps do I follow to make paper FAFSA corrections?
- Ask for a copy of your SAR by calling the Federal Student Aid Information Center
at 1-800-433-3243. When prompted, say "Application Status" and then "Paper SAR."
Follow the automated voice response system to request that a SAR be mailed to you.
Be sure to specify the academic year for which you need to make corrections! Your
SAR should arrive by mail within seven to 10 business days.
- On your SAR, you will notice empty boxes next to each line item. These boxes are
for your corrections. Find the item that needs a correction, and enter the new information
in the adjacent box.
- Sign the last page of the SAR and mail it back to the P.O. Box address printed
near the signature line. If you changed any parent information, make sure your parent
also signs your SAR.
Making Changes to Your FAFSA over the Phone
You can only add a college to your FAFSA or update your mailing address by calling
the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243. You will need to provide
the Data Release Number (DRN) that appears on the SAR for them to help you.
How do I make the corrections by telephone?
- Call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243 and ask to speak
with a customer service representative by saying "Customer Service" or pressing
"0" on your telephone keypad.
- You will need to provide the 4-digit Data Release Number (DRN) that is listed
on your SAR, along with the student's name, Social Security number, birth date,
and address, to prove your identity.
- The representative will assist you in adding or deleting a college or changing
an address on your FAFSA.
Making mistakes on your FAFSA can limit your eligibility and reduce your aid award.
So take your time when preparing and reviewing your FAFSA. Have someone else, such
as a parent, review it carefully. A second set of eyes helps when checking for errors.