When Will You Get Your FAFSA Results?

Completing your FAFSA is the first step in the financial aid process. The amount of time it takes the U.S. Department of Education to process an application depends on whether the application is submitted by regular mail or through FAFSA on the Web and whether it is signed by paper or using a PIN as the electronic signature. Providing us with a current and valid e-mail address would also speed up the process in getting back a Student Aid Report (SAR), which includes the processed results. A combination of all these factors affects the time it takes to receive a SAR. The fastest way to receive results is to fill out a FAFSA on the Web application, provide a valid and current e-mail address, and sign the application electronically using a U.S. Department of Education PIN.

You can check the status of your application electronically on the FAFSA on the Web site by selecting Check status of a submitted FAFSA in the FAFSA Follow-up section of the site.

Your SAR will summarize the information you report on your FAFSA. Your SAR will contain comments that will alert you if further information is required to process your FAFSA. Please check this information carefully to make sure it is accurate. If all the information on your SAR is correct, you do not need to return it.

Keep a copy of your SAR. If you received a SAR but need another copy, you can print a copy of your 2004-2005 SAR or your 2003-2004 SAR (Please note: you will need your PIN to access this request form.)

If your FAFSA information is complete, you will find an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) printed in the upper right hand corner of your SAR. Your school will use the EFC to award your financial aid.

What is a SAR? EFC? DRN? >>