FAFSA for siblings in college - do they need to apply simultaneously?

Each student needs their own FAFSA application, but they don't have to submit at exactly the same time. What matters is that both get submitted before their schools' priority deadlines. However, since both are your dependents, you'll want to make sure the parent information is EXACTLY the same on both applications, or it could flag for verification which is a whole headache.

I went through this with my twins last year. They can absolutely submit at different times, but here's what I learned: make sure you use the exact same financial information for both applications. The system actually makes this easier with the 2025-2026 FAFSA since parent contributors can create their own FSA IDs and enter information once that applies to all students who list them as contributors. This is different from the old system where each student application was completely separate.

Exactly! You create your FSA ID as a contributor, enter your information once, and then provide permission to each student to include your data in their application. It's a huge improvement. Your financial information will be exactly the same for both students, which prevents discrepancies that could trigger verification.

dosent matter when they do it BUT make sure ur income info is the EXACT same or you'll get flagged & then nobodys getting aid for like 3 months lol

Ugh this whole new contributor system is a NIGHTMARE. My husband and I both tried to do the contributor part for our two kids and somehow the system locked us BOTH out. Now neither kid can complete their FAFSA because we can't get back into our accounts. Been calling the FSA helpline for THREE DAYS and can't get through!!

Thanks for the tip! I'll check that out today. At this point I'm desperate - my kids' school deadline is coming up fast.

kinda related but does anyone know if having 2 kids in college means you get more aid overall? my cousin said each kid gets more when theres multiple in school

Our triplets all did their FAFSAs at different times last year (procrastinators lol) and it was fine. But this year with the new system we had them sit down together and do it all in one weekend. Much easier! Just make sure you know which tax info to use - it's 2023 taxes for the 2025-2026 FAFSA.

One more important thing - make sure both students list ALL of their potential colleges on their applications, even if they're already enrolled. Schools use the FAFSA information to determine aid packages each year, and they can only access the data if they're listed on the application. Also, double-check that both students have confirmed their citizenship status with the proper documentation if prompted.

Thank you all for the helpful advice! I'm going to set up my FSA ID this weekend and get my contributor information entered. Then I'll have both kids complete their applications before their respective deadlines. Really appreciate knowing that they don't have to submit simultaneously as long as my information is consistent. The new system actually sounds easier than what we did last year!

Just wanted to add that if you're using the new contributor system, make sure to save your FSA ID login info somewhere safe! I made the mistake of forgetting mine halfway through the process and had to go through the whole identity verification again. Also, a heads up - the system sometimes takes 24-48 hours to process contributor invitations, so don't panic if your kids can't immediately access your information after you submit it. Plan for a little buffer time before their deadlines just in case there are any technical hiccups.

As someone who's been helping families navigate FAFSA for years, I just want to emphasize something that's gotten lost in all the discussion about timing - make sure you're consistent not just with income figures, but also with asset reporting! I've seen families get flagged because they reported different bank account balances or investment values between siblings' applications. The snapshot date for assets should be the same for both kids, typically the date you first submit a FAFSA. Also, if you have a 529 plan that benefits both children, make sure you're reporting it consistently on both applications. The new contributor system helps a lot, but asset consistency is still something you need to watch manually.