What happens after I submit the FAFSA?

By this point, families with incoming college freshmen are likely finalizing or have already completed financial aid forms, including the FAFSA and CSS Profile. Deadlines are approaching or just passed, and you are now left wondering what to expect next.

There may be a few additional steps before you receive your full financial aid award letters from schools. These can include uploading documents to IDOC for schools that require the CSS Profile. Schools could also require you to upload or submit documents through their student portal. The documents could include completed tax documents and transcripts, verification forms, and more.

In short, leading up to May 1, the date by which most schools expect an admission decision, you will be submitting additional forms and receiving financial aid award letters.

Once you have the award letters in hand there is an opportunity to negotiate. That's right, you can negotiate the student's financial aid received with schools. The schools treat this process like a business decision, and I encourage families to do the same.

Beyond that, families are also left to determine how to pay for whatever cost remains. There are many options, including student loans.