Some students will be eligible to fill out the Renewal FAFSA on the Web if they applied for aid in the previous year. The U.S. Department of Education will notify you if you are eligible for this option. If you do not receive notification of eligibility for the Renewal FAFSA, you are permitted to fill out the regular online application. The online versions are available in both English and Spanish.
Students may also reapply for financial aid using a paper application. The paper applications are the same for first year and returning students and unlike the online application, the paper application will not remind you of the information you submitted last year. It is recommended to keep copies of your FAFSA application each year. Paper applications are available in high school guidance offices and college financial aid offices.
Pay attention to application deadlines. The federal government deadlines are generally June 30: however, if you are using the FAFSA application to qualify for state or institutional aid, your deadline may be earlier. The U.S. Department of Education maintains a list of state deadlines on the FAFSA website, and you are encouraged to check with your college or university for local deadlines.