Can I submit FAFSA by paper instead of online? Easier for my situation?

Yes, you can definitely still submit a paper FAFSA! You can download and print the PDF form from StudentAid.gov or call 1-800-433-3243 to request they mail you a copy. Paper applications take about 7-10 days longer to process than electronic ones. One thing to note - the paper form for 2025-2026 has fewer questions than previous years due to the FAFSA Simplification Act, but it's still pretty lengthy. Make sure you request the right year's form.

I did paper FAFSA last year & regretted it!!! took FOREVER to process and when they found a mistake I had to start all over again with corrections. just go to the library or somewhere with good wifi if ur internet sucks

Paper is fine but RISKY! I saw so many students get delayed aid because of simple math errors or skipped fields on paper forms. The online system catches those instantly. Also the paper form doesn't do the skip logic automatically, so you waste time filling out sections that might not even apply to your situation. And if you need to make corrections later? Another paper form and more waiting.

If your internet is unreliable, have you considered going to your local library or your school's financial aid office? Many schools have dedicated computers for FAFSA completion. The online form lets you save your progress and come back later too. I understand preferring paper, but electronic filing typically results in faster processing (3-5 days vs 7-10 days for paper) and fewer errors since the system validates your entries. Your cousin is wrong about extra scrutiny though - paper applications don't get flagged for additional review just for being paper.

I work in a college financial aid office. While paper FAFSA is still an option, I strongly recommend trying the online version if possible. Besides the reasons already mentioned, there's another important consideration: the online FAFSA can transfer your tax information directly from the IRS using the Data Retrieval Tool (DRT), which reduces errors and lowers your chances of being selected for verification. Paper filers have to manually enter ALL tax information, which increases error risk and verification selection probability. If you're absolutely set on paper, that's your right - but know it may delay your aid package by several weeks compared to online filers.

lol my dad insisted on paper FAFSA last yr cuz he doesnt trust computers with financial info...took like a month longer than my roommates to get processed and then got selected for verification anyway!! now have to upload all the docs online so what was even the point 🙄

If you're worried about your internet cutting out while filling out the FAFSA online, I've been there! After getting disconnected twice and losing my work, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to a real FAFSA representative when I needed help. They can guide you through the process over the phone and answer questions. Plus they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ. Their website is claimyr.com - it saved me hours of frustration. You could also try your local library as others suggested - that's free!

One other thing about paper FAFSA - the SAI calculation takes longer to get back to you. With online, you get your Student Aid Index almost immediately, which helps you estimate potential aid. With paper, you wait weeks to know your number. This can delay your planning significantly, especially if you're comparing multiple aid packages.

I actually did paper FAFSA two years ago because I was overseas with limited internet access. While it worked, I'd echo what others are saying about the extra time and potential for errors. One thing I didn't see mentioned - if you do go the paper route, make photocopies of everything before mailing it in! I learned this the hard way when my application got "lost" in processing and I had to resubmit. Also, send it certified mail so you have proof of delivery. The processing delay was definitely real - I got my aid package almost a month after my friends who filed online. If you have any way to access stable internet (library, school, friend's house), I'd really recommend trying online first.

Just wanted to add another perspective as someone who switched from paper to online mid-process last year. I initially started with paper because I'm old school and prefer physical forms, but after reading about all the delays and potential issues, I decided to try online instead. The online FAFSA actually has a really helpful "Help and Hints" feature that guides you through each section, which I found more useful than trying to figure out the paper instructions on my own. Plus, you can save your progress and log back in from any computer with your FSA ID. If you're really concerned about your home internet, I'd suggest starting the online application, creating your FSA ID, and then completing it at a library or community center with reliable WiFi. The time savings alone (getting your SAR in days vs weeks) is worth the minor inconvenience of going somewhere with better internet.

As someone who just went through this decision process myself, I'd strongly recommend trying the online version first. I was in a similar situation with unreliable home internet and was leaning toward paper, but after reading about all the potential delays and complications, I decided to use my local library's computers instead. The online FAFSA saved my progress automatically every few minutes, so even when I had to take a break, nothing was lost. The real game-changer was the instant error checking - it caught two mistakes I made with my Social Security number and a tax form entry that would have definitely caused delays if I'd submitted on paper. The whole process took me about 45 minutes at the library, and I got my Student Aid Report back in 3 days. Given all the experiences shared here about paper delays, lost applications, and processing issues, I'd say the small inconvenience of finding reliable internet access is worth avoiding those headaches.