Do I need to submit FAFSA annually even if not seeking financial aid?

Yes, you should still complete the FAFSA annually, even if you don't expect to receive need-based aid. Many schools require it to maintain merit scholarships, access to federal work-study programs, and unsubsidized loans regardless of income. Some scholarships that aren't initially need-based might require it too. Also, financial circumstances can change unexpectedly (job loss, medical expenses, etc.), and having an active FAFSA on file makes it easier to access emergency aid if needed.

we stopped filling it out after sophomore year bc we knew we wouldnt qualify. BIG MISTAKE!! turns out my daughter couldnt access some campus jobs bc they were technically work-study positions and my son lost eligibility for his leadership grant bc it required fafsa on file even tho it wasnt based on need!!! now we just do it every yr no matter what, takes like 30 min with the IRS data transfer thing

Why would you even waste your time on the FAFSA if you know you won't qualify??? The entire system is designed to judge your ability to pay anyway! My kid's SAI came back so high we might as well have sent them our bank statements directly lol. Complete waste of time for families like ours IMO.

I'm a financial aid counselor at a university. Here's my professional advice: always file the FAFSA annually, regardless of your financial situation. While you may not qualify for need-based aid, many institutions require it for: 1) Merit scholarships 2) Institutional grants 3) Federal unsubsidized loans 4) Work-study positions 5) Some department-specific scholarships Also, your financial situation might change unexpectedly (medical emergency, job loss, etc.). Having a FAFSA on file makes adjustments much faster if needed. The new streamlined 2025-2026 FAFSA is significantly simpler than previous versions.

Has anyone else had major problems trying to reach someone at Federal Student Aid when you have FAFSA questions? I spent 4 hours on hold last week trying to get clarification on why we need to re-submit, and never got through. Super frustrating!!

Just my 2 cents... I used to think like you (why bother with FAFSA if we don't need aid) but then my husband unexpectedly lost his job in our daughter's junior year. Having the FAFSA already on file made it SO much easier to request a professional judgment review based on our changed circumstances. They adjusted her aid package mid-year and it saved us from having to withdraw her from school. You never know what might happen!

One important thing to note: Many private universities actually require FAFSA completion for all students regardless of need - it's in their enrollment policies. Check your son's school handbook or financial aid website. Some will actually place registration holds if you don't complete it annually.