Can I Add Another College to my FAFSA After Receiving Financial Aid and Starting Classes?

Yes, you can add another college to your FAFSA even after receiving financial aid and starting classes. Here’s how you can do it step by step. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind.

Steps to Add a New College to Your FAFSA

Log into the FAFSA Website:
Access your FAFSA form using your FSA ID. Make a Correction:
Select the option to make a correction to your FAFSA. Add the New College:
Enter the new college's Federal School Code in the designated field. You can add up to 10 colleges at a time. Submit the Correction:
After adding the new school, submit the corrected FAFSA.

Once you add the new college, they will receive your FAFSA information, and you may be eligible for additional financial aid from that institution. Keep in mind that the new college may have its own deadlines for financial aid consideration, so it’s a good idea to add it as soon as possible.

The FAFSA: An Application, Not Fin Aid

The FAFSA is a form used to apply for need-based financial aid at all US colleges. It is NOT the financial aid itself. The Department of Education uses your FAFSA information to determine the amount of aid you will receive. This process can take several weeks.

Note on Switching Schools

You are expected to make academic progress when you receive student financial aid. You have two semesters as a freshman to earn the required hours to become a sophomore the following year. If you leave after the semester starts, you will lose that semester and the financial aid that was paid on your behalf.

Further, you cannot transfer and jump into another school mid-semester. The application to transfer, getting accepted, and the entire process of changing schools takes weeks. It’s not an overnight shift of records and finances and enrollment.

Instead, stay at your current college for the semester, finish it, and do your best to earn credit toward your academic progress. After the semester, you can initiate the transfer application process. Many universities will only accept transfer applications to begin classes in the fall.

FAFSA is not money. FAFSA is the application that calculates your eligibility. The Department of Education then determines, based on your FAFSA information, the amount of aid you will receive. You must reapply every year. The new FAFSA application will be available online in October. Because you have a FAFSA account, your basic information will populate in your subsequent applications, making the process simpler.

The application applies to Fall 2024 and Spring 2025, and this process helps you to stay eligible for financial aid even if you switch schools.

Final Tips and Considerations

When considering your options, remember that the financial aid process can be complex. It’s important to understand the requirements and deadlines involved. By making a plan and following the steps, you can ensure that you stay on track for financial support.