FAFSA SAI score of -1500 for spring semester only? Do I need to file 2025-2026 FAFSA too?

Yes, you do need to submit the 2025-2026 FAFSA. The 2024-2025 form only covers aid through the summer 2025 term (so basically just your first semester). Your negative SAI is good though - means you qualify for more aid.

The previous comment is correct. FAFSA applications are tied to specific academic years (July 1 to June 30), not to your program duration. Your 2024-2025 FAFSA will only provide aid from January 2025 (your start date) through June 30, 2025. You absolutely need to complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA as soon as it's available (October 1, 2024) to cover the fall 2025 and spring 2026 semesters. Then you'll need the 2026-2027 FAFSA for your final semester. Regarding your SAI of -1500: This is indeed favorable and indicates eligibility for significant aid, particularly Pell Grants. However, this calculation applies to the entire 2024-2025 academic year, not just one semester. Your actual disbursement may be prorated since you're only attending the spring semester of that academic year.

congrats on the negative SAI! thats actually really good. I got a 3200 and barely qualified for anything except loans 😩 you'll probably get full pell grant which is awesome

I actually work in a financial aid office (not at your school). Let me clarify a few things: 1. Your 2024-2025 FAFSA covers Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025 terms. Since you're starting in Spring 2025, you'll only use part of this aid year. 2. Yes, you'll need to complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA (available October 1, 2024) to cover Fall 2025 and Spring 2026. 3. Your SAI of -1500 is excellent and will likely qualify you for maximum Pell Grant. For 2024-2025, you'll receive approximately half of your annual Pell eligibility since you're attending one semester. 4. When you complete your 2025-2026 FAFSA, your SAI might change if your financial information changes, but if everything remains similar, you should receive a comparable SAI. One important note: Some schools have verification requirements before finalizing aid. With a negative SAI, there's a higher chance you'll be selected for verification, so be prepared to submit additional documentation if requested.

I went through this EXACT situation last year with my radiography program!!! The financial aid system is NOT designed for programs that don't fit the traditional fall start!! I had to call the Federal Student Aid hotline like 6 TIMES because my school's financial aid office kept giving me conflicting info. Spent HOURS on hold each time only to get disconnected repeatedly!!!!

btw a negative SAI is super good!!! my friend got -2500 and got full pell grant plus some extra scholarship $$$. but yeah you def gotta do the new fafsa for next year too

Quick note on timing: The 2025-2026 FAFSA should be available on October 1, 2024. However, after last year's delayed rollout and technical issues, I recommend checking the studentaid.gov website regularly for any announcements about the release date. Set a calendar reminder to complete it as soon as it's available, as some schools award institutional aid on a first-come, first-served basis.

Another important detail: Make sure you list the same schools on your 2025-2026 FAFSA that you'll be attending. Even if you're already enrolled when you complete it, you still need to include your school's code on the new application. Each FAFSA is treated as a separate application, and schools only receive the data for the specific aid years where you've listed them.