The US Department of Education ended the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) renewal process after the application was streamlined to include fewer questions. While your Federal Student Aid (FSA) account saves some basic details, you need to resubmit your FAFSA each year to be considered for federal student aid and many state and institutional aid programs. We cover some must-know information and tips on how to speed up your FAFSA submission each year below.
Can you renew the FAFSA?
As of the 2025-2026 award year, the US Department of Education no longer offers the FAFSA "renewal process."
Prior to 2023, the FAFSA had over 100 questions, making it extremely time consuming the first time you completed the application. However, your information was saved for subsequent years, meaning you only had to update relevant details.
The FAFSA received a significant overhaul in 2023 and some adjustments in 2024, going from roughly 108 questions to around 40, based on your situation. Some students only need to answer 18. Plus, instead of typing out your financial information, the FAFSA now pulls those details directly from your tax returns.
The application saves some of your basic information for subsequent years, and you only need to update it as needed. Other details you'll need to add each year.
Why should you complete the FAFSA every year?
You need to complete the FAFSA every year if you want to be considered for federal student aid, state aid, and many institutional financial aid programs. Some colleges won't consider you for their institutional grants and scholarships or state aid programs if you don't complete the FAFSA, even merit awards.
Even if you don't think you'll qualify for any aid – or you didn't receive any last year – still complete the application each year. Financial aid minimums change and schools add new aid programs often. You might be pleasantly surprised!
When should you resubmit your FAFSA?
Whether it's the first time you're submitting your FAFSA or a subsequent year, you should complete your application on or shortly after October 1. Financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. While the FAFSA isn't technically due until June 30th of the award year, colleges and states have much earlier deadlines for their aid, with some priority due dates in November. Delaying could mean missing out on free cash.
How can you complete the FAFSA quickly?
Thanks to the streamlined FAFSA process, some applicants can complete their application in a matter of minutes.
Most students will need their parents in order to complete the FAFSA. To speed up your submission:
- Create or login to your Federal Student Aid (FSA) account. You only need to create an account the first time you complete the application.
- Know your Social Security number (SSN), basic details and contact information.
- Determine the FAFSA contributor (usually a parent) and get their details, including their SSN, date of birth and contact information.
- Have your (or your contributors') tax returns on hand. Even though the FAFSA pulls directly from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), you may need to answer supplemental questions.
- Collect any additional required documents and information, including records of child support, bank statements and assets.
- Know which schools you're applying to. You can always remove or add schools (up to 20 at a time) on the FAFSA, but if there's even a slight chance you're applying to the school, list them. Adding schools too late could mean missing out on institutional aid packages.
What happens after I complete the FAFSA?
Once you submit your FAFSA, your school will review the information and the financial aid office will send you a financial aid offer detailing your aid package.
The amount of financial aid you receive is based on your Student Aid Index (SAI) and the total cost of attendance. You may receive different types of aid, such as grants, which typically don't need to be paid back (except under certain circumstances), and federal student loans, which do. Please note that being awarded work-study does not guarantee you will qualify for an on- or off-campus job.
How long it takes you to receive your financial aid offer depends on when you submit the renewal application. Often, schools send out offers in the spring before the start of the academic year.
Consider your options for borrowing for college
Although there's no longer a "renewal process" with the FAFSA, the overhaul in 2023 resulted in a streamlined application process.
And the FAFSA is just the beginning. After you've maximized other financial aid resources like grants, scholarships and federal student loans, private student loans are another option that could help pay for college. With rate discounts and flexible repayment options, find the Citizens student loan that fits your life and budget.†