Fafsa how long to hear back

Department of Education. The timeline varies among schools, but here is what you can expect during that process. Depending on the schools you applied to, they may come back to you asking for additional scholarship, grant, or financial aid information.

Some students applying to select colleges and universities are also required to fill out a standardized form called the CSS Profile , which assesses the financial history of students and their families to determine their eligibility for institutional financial aid. While your application is being processed, the U. Some schools select students randomly while others require verification for all applicants. Apply Pick the loan you would like to apply for or Find Your Application.

Complete additional financial forms, if needed. All of this information should be reviewed carefully, as follows: Reviewing Your Expected Family Contribution EFC This number is just as it sounds — the amount your family is expected to contribute toward your college education. Mistakes happen, school choices change, and financial circumstances can shift. Relevant Articles. Pay attention to all communication from the financial aid department, as you may need to submit additional documentation on a deadline.

Keep on top of all deadlines and make any needed corrections immediately to get your aid in a timely manner. Here are a few quick guides for helpful answers:. Updated August 19, Search for: Search. You can accept one without taking on the other. With federal, state, and institutional financial aid awards, the college you attend will distribute this money.

It will not be sent directly to you. These awards are distributed in two installments, called disbursements. The school will take tuition and applicable fees out of these disbursements upfront.

Any remainder intended to go to books, supplies, and living costs will be sent to you. To ensure you know how your money is disbursed, you can check online or receive a paper invoice for how the money is split and given to the school. Disbursements typically occur at the beginning of a semester, or at the beginning and midpoint of the school year if you attend a college that does not use a semester system.

If you have federal money left over after tuition, housing, and related fees and expenses are covered by the school, the DOE requires colleges to disburse the remainder to you, so you can pay for books and other supplies on your own. If the school does not give you this money 10 days before the term begins, they are required to provide you with another way to pay for books and supplies by the seventh day into the term, so you can be prepared for your classes.

If you receive federal financial assistance, you should not have to cover these costs yourself. If an emergency occurs, like needing money for off-campus rent or having a transportation emergency, federal dollars are not required to cover these issues.