Key Considerations for Financial Aid Renewal

1. FAFSA Renewal Is Not Automatic

Even if you received financial aid last year, you must submit a new FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) every year to continue receiving aid. Many students assume that aid carries over automatically, but it doesn’t.

What to Do:

• Check your school’s priority deadline. Some schools require FAFSA renewal as early as April or May for fall aid. Meeting school and state deadlines is crucial, as some financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Submit your FAFSA as early as possible. The federal FAFSA deadline is later, but states and schools may have much earlier deadlines, and early submission maximizes your chances of receiving aid.

Where to Do It:

• Renew your FAFSA at FAFSA.gov using the FAFSA Renewal option. This feature allows you to pre-fill information from the previous year, saving time and reducing errors.

2. Financial Aid Can Change Each Year

Just because you received a certain amount of aid last year doesn’t mean you’ll get the same this year. Your eligibility may change based on a number of factors, including:

• Changes in family income. If your household income increases or decreases, your aid package may shift.

• Enrollment status. If you drop below half-time enrollment, you may no longer qualify for certain types of aid.

• Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Schools typically require you to maintain a minimum GPA and complete a certain percentage of classes to remain eligible for aid.

• Changes in your household or family size. For example, if fewer family members are attending college this year, your aid may be adjusted.

What to Do:

• Log into your school’s financial aid portal to confirm you’re meeting SAP requirements and to review your aid package.

• If your aid is reduced unexpectedly, contact your financial aid office. You may be able to submit an appeal, especially in cases of job loss, medical expenses, or other financial hardships.

3. School-Specific Forms May Be Required

Many schools require additional forms beyond the FAFSA to process institutional or state aid. These may include:

• Institutional aid renewal applications for scholarships or grants.

• State-specific aid applications which often have different deadlines than the federal FAFSA.

• Scholarship renewal forms that require updated applications or GPA verification.

What to Do:

• Visit your school’s financial aid website or call the financial aid office to confirm whether any additional documents are required.

• Review your eligibility criteria for renewing institutional scholarships, which may include GPA requirements, major declarations, or other conditions.

Final Steps for a Smooth Renewal Process

•  Submit your FAFSA renewal early—don’t wait!

•  Verify your enrollment status and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) to avoid aid issues.

• Check for additional school-specific forms and scholarship requirements.

• Explore new scholarship opportunities in case your aid changes.

• Reach out to your financial aid office with any concerns or to discuss appeals.