You’ve gathered your financial information, filled out the FAFSA, and finally hit submit. So, what’s next?
For students and families preparing for college in fall 2027, completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important first step toward understanding in the financial aid process. But submitting the application doesn’t mean you’ll immediately know how much college will cost or how you’ll pay for it.
From confirmation emails and FAFSA results to college financial aid offers, here’s what to expect after submitting your application – and what you can do while you wait.
When is the FAFSA Available?
The FAFSA typically opens on October 1, but the 2027–28 FAFSA opened September 23, 2026 – giving students and families an early opportunity to apply for financial aid for the upcoming academic year. (The 2027–28 FAFSA applies to students attending college between July 1, 2027, and June 30, 2028.)
While the federal FAFSA deadline is June 30, 2028, don’t wait until the last minute! State and college financial aid deadlines may be much earlier, and some grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tip: Check the financial aid deadlines for every college you’re considering, along with your state’s FAFSA deadline. Submitting early can help ensure you’re considered for as much available aid as possible.
What Happens After You Submit the FAFSA?
Once your application is submitted, you’ll begin receiving updates about its status and your potential financial aid eligibility. Here’s a general timeline of what to expect.
1. Immediately After Submission: Look for a Confirmation
Once you submit your completed FAFSA, you’ll receive a confirmation on the screen. Most applications are processed immediately, although some may take a few days. Be sure to check your email for a notification that your application has been processed and your results are ready.
2. After Processing: Review Your FAFSA Submission Summary
Your FAFSA Submission Summary will be available through your StudentAid.gov account. This document provides an overview of your application and includes important information about your potential financial aid eligibility.
You’ll find your Student Aid Index (SAI), estimated federal aid eligibility and any next steps you may need to complete.
Review everything carefully. If you notice an error or need to provide additional information, follow the instructions in your account.
3. Following Submission: Colleges Receive Your Information
The colleges you listed on your FAFSA will receive your financial information so their financial aid offices can determine your eligibility. Some schools may contact you for additional documentation or clarification. Keep an eye on your email and student portals so you don’t miss important requests.
4. After Acceptance: Award Letters and Financial Aid Offers
Once you’re accepted to a college and the school has reviewed your financial information, you’ll begin receiving award letters with financial aid offers. Most financial aid award letters arrive in the spring.
These offers outline the assistance available through that particular school, which may include grants, scholarships, work-study and federal student loans.
For more information about financial aid award letters, review our article, “Deciphering Financial Aid Award Letters.“
FAFSA Results vs. Financial Aid Offers: What’s the Difference?
One of the biggest misconceptions about the FAFSA process is that your FAFSA results tell you exactly how much financial aid you’ll receive. That’s not quite how it works.
There are two important pieces of information to understand:
- FAFSA Submission Summary: Provided by the U.S. Department of Education after your application is processed, this summary includes your Student Aid Index (SAI), estimated federal aid eligibility and any outstanding items you need to address.
Note: Your SAI is not the amount your family is expected to pay for college or the amount of financial aid you’ll receive. Colleges use it to help determine your financial aid package.
- Financial Aid Offer/Award Letter: Provided by each college after you’ve been accepted, award letters and financial aid offers outline the specific financial assistance the school is offering. It may include scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities and federal student loans.
5 Things to Do While You Wait for Financial Aid Offers
Submitting the FAFSA is a big step, but there’s still work to do while colleges review your information.
- Check your email regularly. Watch for messages from Federal Student Aid and the colleges on your list. Check spam and junk folders, too.
- Review your FAFSA submission summary. Make sure your information is accurate and address any corrections or requests for additional documentation.
- Keep applying for scholarships. Don’t assume your FAFSA is the only way to qualify for financial assistance. Look for local, school-specific and private scholarships.
- Compare college costs. Look beyond tuition to consider housing, meal plans, books, transportation and other expenses.
- Explore your remaining funding options. Once financial aid offers arrive, determine whether there is a gap between the assistance available and what you’ll actually need to pay.
What If Your Financial Aid Doesn’t Cover Everything?
Even after scholarships, grants and federal student loans are factored in, many families still face a gap between their financial aid package and the total cost of college.
Once you receive your financial aid offers, take time to evaluate the remaining expenses and consider how you’ll cover them. Private student loans and education lines of credit can help bridge that gap when other funding sources aren’t enough.
The key is to understand your options before borrowing. Compare interest rates, repayment terms, fees and co-signer requirements to find a solution that fits your family’s needs.
Learn more in our article, “Your Financial Aid Package Isn’t Enough – Now What?”
The Bottom Line: Plan Ahead for College Costs
Completing the FAFSA is an important first step toward paying for college, but it’s only one part of the financial planning process. Knowing what to expect after submission can help reduce uncertainty and give families more time to make informed decisions.
A little preparation now can make the transition to college – and the financial decisions that come with it – much easier.
