UPDATE: I just got my SAI this morning! Exactly 5 weeks and 4 days after submitting. For anyone else waiting - hang in there, it does eventually come through. I also emailed my school's financial aid office like someone suggested and they confirmed they're being flexible with the priority deadlines this year because of the FAFSA delays.

My neighbor works in a financial aid office and she said they're telling students to expect 6-8 weeks for processing this year. Something about the new "FAFSA Simplification" actually making everything more complicated on the backend for now lol. Classic government program right? Make it "simpler" and it breaks everything

One important thing to remember: subsidized loans don't accrue interest while your son is in school and during deferment periods. Unsubsidized loans start accruing interest immediately. If you end up with a mix of both in the financial aid package, always accept the subsidized portion first before taking unsubsidized loans. \n\nThe current interest rate for undergraduate subsidized and unsubsidized federal loans is 5.5%, which will add up significantly over four years if taking unsubsidized options.

That's a really good point about prioritizing subsidized loans first. I'll make sure we do that when the package finally comes through. The interest difference really adds up over time!

my cousin works in financial aid at a state school and she said they're basically working 12 hour days trying to get all the packages done. the new fafsa system is giving them all kinds of problems on their end too. maybe try calling early in the morning when the lines aren't so busy?

For anyone in this situation, many colleges have now publicly announced extensions to their May 1 deposit deadlines because of the FAFSA delays. The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) has a list of schools offering extensions on their website. When you call the financial aid office, be sure to ask these specific questions: 1. "What is your current processing timeline for financial aid packages after receiving a student's SAI?" 2. "Do you offer an extension to the May 1st decision deadline if we don't receive our aid package in time to make an informed decision?" 3. "Can my student's package be expedited since we're waiting on this information to make our final decision?" 4. "Will we receive a complete breakdown of all potential aid, including specific loan types and terms?" Asking these direct questions will typically get you more concrete answers than general inquiries about status.

After seeing your responses to other comments, I want to follow up with some additional advice. Since you mentioned your hours were cut after FAFSA submission, that's EXACTLY what professional judgment reviews are designed for! Make sure to: 1. Document the reduction in hours/income (pay stubs, letter from employer) 2. Calculate the projected annual income difference 3. Submit a formal appeal letter specifically requesting "professional judgment review due to income reduction" With your already negative SAI, further reduction could potentially qualify your son for increased institutional aid or additional state grants. Don't be discouraged if your first request is denied - persistence often pays off with financial aid offices.

It's usually best to call first to learn their specific process - some schools have forms while others want a letter. Mention specifically that you've had an "income reduction since FAFSA filing" and ask about their "professional judgment review process." This uses their terminology and signals you understand the system. One more option: see if your son can get on the housing waitlist for the lowest-cost dorm options. Sometimes spots open up last minute when other students decide not to attend.

I blame the entire new SAI formula change. They rushed implementation without proper testing and now millions of students are dealing with these technical nightmares. My daughter might have to commit to a school without knowing what aid she's getting because of these delays!!

Update for everyone following this thread: FSA just announced they're releasing a new batch of signature correction capabilities next Monday. If you check your studentaid.gov account after May 1st, you should be able to complete the missing signatures. They're gradually rolling out fixes, so don't panic if you don't see it immediately.