5 FAFSA Mistakes to Avoid

Imagine you’re getting ready for college, excited about the new adventures and challenges ahead. You know that college is an investment, but like many students, you’re counting on financial aid to help cover the costs. You’ve heard that FAFSA—the Free Application for Federal Student Aid—is the first step to unlocking grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans. But as you sit down to fill out the form, it feels like a maze of questions and details, with a hundred chances to make a mistake that could cost you. 

You’re not alone—many students and families run into similar challenges. Missing a simple field or entering the wrong information can mean less aid, delayed results or even losing out on opportunities. And with deadlines, renewals and so many steps, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. 

The good news? Avoiding the most common FAFSA mistakes can make all the difference. Here, we’ll walk you through five frequent FAFSA pitfalls and show you how to steer clear of them, so you can secure the aid you need without the stress. 

1. Waiting Too Long to Apply 

If you wait too long to submit your FAFSA, you might get less aid. Some grants and scholarships are given out on a first-come, first-served basis. So, if you’re late, you could miss out. 

Start your application as soon as possible to make sure you don’t miss any deadlines. Completing it early also gives you time to fix any mistakes. 

Pro Tip: Mark October 1 on your calendar and aim to finish your application that same month. 

2. Leaving Fields Blank 

If you leave fields blank on the FAFSA, it could delay your application or reduce your aid. Each section is important, so make sure to fill everything out. For example, forgetting to list schools or leaving out parent information could affect your eligibility. 

To stay on track, use a checklist. The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) offers a FAFSA checklist that you can print and use as you complete your form. 

3. Entering Wrong Information 

Errors with personal details, like your Social Security number or marital status, are common on FAFSA. Even small mistakes can lead to problems and require you to resubmit, which takes extra time. 

A common issue is mixing up income fields. All contributors to the FAFSA must now provide consent within the application to have their FTI transferred from the IRS into the FAFSA form. Failure to provide consent in the application will make the student ineligible for federal student aid, even if they manually input the information. 

Make sure to use your full legal name, exactly as it appears on your Social Security card, and double-check each number.  

Pro Tip: Review your entries carefully before submitting, especially numbers and names. 

4. Not Renewing FAFSA Each Year 

Some people think FAFSA is a one-time application, but students must submit a new FAFSA every year they are in school. Financial aid eligibility can change from year to year, so renewing is important. Many schools also require FAFSA for merit-based scholarships, even if they’re not need-based. 

Filling out a renewal takes less time than the initial application, so start early to save time. Set an annual reminder to make it a habit to renew each year. 

5. Using Non-Official Sites 

Some websites charge students to complete FAFSA but remember, FAFSA is always free. The official FAFSA website is FAFSA.gov. Be cautious of other sites that might ask for money or request personal information that isn’t needed. 

Quick Tip: Only use the official FAFSA website to avoid scams. Bookmark FAFSA.gov for quick access each year. If you need help, use FAFSA’s online chat or contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center for free. 

Your Next Steps 

Completing the FAFSA might seem complicated, but by following these steps, you can avoid common mistakes. Remember, FAFSA is free to complete, and getting it right can help you receive more financial aid. 

Stay proactive: apply early, fill out every field and double-check your information. For extra resources, visit the Federal Student Aid website or use NASFAA’s checklist for a smooth application process. 

Taking the time to complete FAFSA accurately can help you make the most of financial aid and better afford college. Other questions? Reach out to Herzing University’s page on Tuition and Financial Aid Resources for assistance.