FAFSA for siblings at different colleges - separate applications or one account?

Each student needs their own separate FAFSA account and application, even if they're siblings. Your son already has his FSA ID, and your daughter will need to create her own. You'll need to complete two separate FAFSA forms - one for each child. However, as a parent, you can use the same FSA ID to contribute to both of their applications. When you complete the second application, you can use the retrieval tool to import your tax/income information so you don't have to enter everything twice. The system will calculate separate SAI scores for each student based on their individual college costs and your family's financial situation.

yes each kid gets there own FAFSA. i got 3 in college right now and its annoying but you do a seperate one for each. the good thing is that having multiple kids in college at once usually gets you more aid!

Each student needs their own FSA ID and FAFSA application. The applications are student-specific, not family-specific. When your daughter starts her application, she'll create her own FSA ID (username and password). As a parent, you'll use your FSA ID to sign both applications, but each child submits their own form. The 2025-2026 FAFSA will use the new direct data exchange with the IRS, which should make the process easier when completing multiple applications. The SAI (Student Aid Index) calculation will take into account that you have multiple dependent students in college simultaneously, which typically increases aid eligibility. Each school will receive the FAFSA results and create individualized financial aid packages.

To address the question about order - it doesn't matter which FAFSA you complete first. The system treats each application independently. Just make sure both are submitted before your children's respective school priority deadlines. One thing to note: even though your daughter isn't starting until summer 2025, she should still complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA (which opens in December 2024) rather than the 2024-2025 form. Financial aid is awarded by academic year (fall through summer), not calendar year.

I HATED dealing with this last year!!! Had to do separate applications for both my kids and the FAFSA website kept crashing or logging me out randomly. Spent HOURS on hold trying to reach someone at FSA when I had questions. The whole system is designed to frustrate parents I swear!!! They expect us to be financial aid experts but then make everything confusing on purpose!!!!!

When I had this same issue last year with my two kids, I was getting nowhere with the regular FAFSA support lines - constant busy signals or disconnects after waiting forever. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual FSA agent who walked me through the whole process of managing multiple student applications. Saved me hours of frustration! They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ The agent explained that not only does each student need their own FAFSA, but they also explained how the multiple-student household calculation works in the new system. Super helpful when you have specific questions about your family's situation.

Quick tip! Make sure both your kids list ALL the schools they're considering on their FAFSAs, even backup options. Each school only sees their own info, and you can always decline aid later if they don't attend that school. Better to have options!

also dont forget that with the new FAFSA you need to list all contributors (like both parents even if divorced) and they all need their own FSA IDs too. my ex almost messed up my kids whole application by not doing his part on time

One more important thing to know: the FAFSA typically gives priority to students whose applications are submitted earlier. Even though they have official deadlines, aid can be first-come, first-served at many schools. Since you'll have two students applying for 2025-2026, I'd recommend completing both FAFSAs as soon as the application opens in December 2024. Also, check if either of your children's schools require the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA. That's a separate financial aid application required by some private colleges, and it has a different set of rules and deadlines.

Just wanted to add that when you're filling out both FAFSAs, make sure you're consistent with the financial information you enter for each child. Since you'll be using the same parent tax/income data for both applications, any discrepancies could cause processing delays or verification requests from the schools. Also, keep copies of everything! With two students, you'll have twice the documentation to track. I learned this the hard way when my daughter's school requested additional paperwork and I had mixed up which documents went with which kid's application. Having everything organized by student from the start will save you headaches later.