FAFSA Filing Tips: Why Early Submission Benefits College Students

Let's be real - the FAFSA isn't exactly the most exciting part of your college journey.

Maybe you're thinking "the deadline isn't until June, so I've got plenty of time!" And technically? You're right. The federal deadline isn't until June 30, but we recommend submitting yours much earlier - ideally by February 1. 

What Happens After You Hit Submit

Submitting your FAFSA doesn't instantly generate a financial aid package. There's a lot going on behind the scenes before you ever see your award.

1. The Federal Review

Your FAFSA first goes to the US Department of Education. All of the information you provide (tax documents, family size, household income, etc.) is reviewed to calculate your Student Aid Index (SAI) - a single, standardized number that is the same across all of the schools you apply to. It doesn't determine how much aid you'll get, but it gives each school a consistent way to understand your financial situation and then build your institutional aid package based on their own resources and policies. 

Learn About Scholarships and Grants at Madonna

According to StudentAid.gov, the formula works like this: it adds up the total financial resources of you and your parents (or spouse, if applicable), then subtracts a minimum amount needed for your family's normal annual living expenses. What's left is considered available, at least in part, for college costs. 

At this stage, your FAFSA is also used to determine your eligibility for federal grants (like the Pell Grant) and any state-based programs you may be eligible for. These decisions are made by the federal or state agencies, not by the college you attend. That's why submitting your FAFSA early is important: it ensures your information is available for those agencies to review, and for schools to then build your institutional aid package around it. 

2. Sending Data to Schools

Once your FAFSA is processed, the Department of Education transmits your information to every school you listed. You'll need to make sure you know the Federal School Code for each school you'd like to submit your FAFSA to. Each institution then loads that data into its own system. 

Madonna's Federal School Code is 002282. 

3. Individual Review at Each School

At Madonna, our financial aid staff looks closely at your FAFSA in the context of your unique circumstances. Because no two student files are the same, this step takes careful review. Sometimes, we'll ask for additional forms or documentation to clarify details. This is a normal part of the process! 

It's also important to pay attention to any internal deadlines at the schools you're applying to. Some colleges set earlier dates for certain scholarships, honors programs, direct admit programs, or specialized aid opportunities. 

4. Creating Your Aid Package

Only after all of these steps are complete are we able to put together your complete financial aid offer. 

Why Early Submission Matters

Submitting early doesn't necessarily mean you'll get your aid award sooner, but it does ensure:

• You'll have plenty of time if extra documents are requested, or if you have any questions about your aid award
• You'll receive your aid package with enough time to make thoughtful financial plans for the year ahead
• You'll avoid the stress of last-minute deadlines or scrambling for paperwork in the spring or summer

The Takeaway

Think of your FAFSA as the first step in a chain reaction — from federal review, to state and federal aid determinations, to school review, to your final award. By submitting by February 1, you’re giving yourself (and us) the time needed to work through the process smoothly, so your aid is ready when you need it.

Fill Out the FAFSA Form