FAFSA application order for siblings in different college years - how does parent info work?

You don't need to worry about the order - FAFSA applications aren't linked in the way you're thinking. Each student submits their own separate FAFSA, but the parent information should be identical on both applications. Since you and your husband file taxes jointly, you'll enter the same parent financial information on both your son's and daughter's applications. For the parent contribution part, both you and your husband's information should be entered on each FAFSA since you're married. Your husband doesn't submit separately - all parental information goes on the same application. The system is designed to calculate your family's total Expected Family Contribution (now called the Student Aid Index or SAI) and then distribute it appropriately between multiple college students.

dont stress about which 1 to do first its all the same system. I did my twins apps last year and didn't matter which one went first. just make sure u list BOTH colleges on BOTH applications so they know you got 2 kids in school!! thats what gets u more aid!!!

There's some misinformation here I want to clarify. Each student should only list the schools THEY plan to attend on THEIR FAFSA. Don't list your daughter's school on your son's FAFSA or vice versa. The important part is that on EACH application, you'll indicate the number of family members who will be attending college during the award year. This is where you note that you have multiple children in college, which can significantly affect your Student Aid Index (SAI) calculation and potentially increase aid eligibility. As for parent information, since you and your husband are married, both of your financial information should be included on both FAFSAs. You'll use the same FSA ID to log into both applications as a parent contributor. The system doesn't link the applications, but it will recognize that the same parent FSA ID is being used across multiple applications.

OMG I'm going through EXACT same thing right now!!! My twins are starting college and older son is in junior year too! The FAFSA system is SO FRUSTRATING. I spent 3 DAYS trying to get through to someone at Federal Student Aid to ask these same questions because the website kept timing out when I tried to add parent info to the second application. NOTHING WORKED!!! 😡😡😡

something too remember is that having 2 kids in college at the same time actually HELPS your financial aid! the fafsa will divide your expected contribution between both kids so each school expects less from you than if you only had 1 kid in college. at least thats how it worked for us last year.

To answer your follow-up question - yes, having multiple students in college simultaneously impacts both federal aid calculations and most institutional aid formulas. When you complete each FAFSA, you'll indicate that you have two family members in college (in the household information section). This typically splits your family's Student Aid Index (SAI) between the students, potentially qualifying each for more aid. However, be aware that some selective private colleges that require the CSS Profile in addition to FAFSA may handle multiple students differently. The CSS Profile sometimes applies a less generous formula for calculating the benefit of having multiple students enrolled. When entering information on your daughter's FAFSA, you'll use the same parent FSA ID you used on your son's application, and you'll enter identical financial information. The system will recognize the connection between the applications through your parent FSA ID, though technically they remain separate applications.

My wife and i got divorced last year and figuring out who fills out what for our two kids was A NIGHTMARE. at least you're married so its straightforward! just do them in whatever order and make sure to note two in college. btw the new FAFSA is way easier than the old one at least.

One important thing to remember: If your financial situation has changed significantly since you filed your taxes (job loss, major medical expenses, etc.), you should complete both FAFSAs with the requested tax information, then immediately contact the financial aid offices at both schools to request a professional judgment review. Schools have the authority to adjust the SAI calculation based on current circumstances, but you need to start with accurate FAFSA submissions. Also, set calendar reminders to complete the FAFSA renewal process for both students next October. Having multiple students means keeping track of multiple financial aid timelines, scholarship deadlines, etc. I recommend creating a spreadsheet to track all the important dates and requirements for each child.

Yes, verification of multiple students in college is one of the most common verification items. If either of your students is selected for verification (which happens randomly to about 30% of applicants), you may need to provide enrollment documentation for your other student. This is typically handled through a verification form provided by the financial aid office, where you'll list the colleges being attended and sometimes provide proof of enrollment. The Department of Education has systems in place to identify potential discrepancies between FAFSAs from the same family. Regarding your income increase, you're right that you won't need to report that through a special circumstances appeal. The FAFSA uses prior-prior year tax information specifically to create a standardized snapshot of family finances, so your current year's higher income won't affect this year's aid eligibility.

Just wanted to add one more tip as someone who went through this process with three kids over the years - make sure you save copies of all the completed FAFSAs! When it comes time for renewals or if you need to make corrections, having the previous year's information handy makes the process so much smoother. Also, both students should create their own FSA IDs early in the process if they haven't already - don't wait until the last minute because there can be delays in ID verification. Good luck with getting both kids through the financial aid process!