FAFSA processing time difference between incoming freshman and current college student - what's normal?

Yes, this is actually pretty common! The system often processes returning students faster because their previous FAFSA data is already in the system. Your junior's application likely went through automated verification more quickly since they have a history. New students (like your incoming freshman) often go through additional verification steps, especially if it's their first time in the system. Nothing to worry about yet - I've seen freshman applications take 3-4 weeks longer than returning students.

had same thing happen with my twins, one returning sophomore and one new freshman. returning kid was approved in like 9 days, freshman took almost 5 weeks!!! no explanation just how the system works i guess

This happens because the Department of Education has different verification protocols for first-time FAFSA filers versus returning students. Your junior's SAI calculation can be partially validated against previous years' data, while your freshman requires full verification of all new information. Additionally, first-time filers are statistically more likely to be selected for verification, which adds 2-3 weeks to processing time. One important note: this delay in processing should NOT affect aid eligibility as long as you submitted before priority deadlines. Schools understand these FAFSA processing timelines and account for them in their aid distribution processes.

my dauhgter was supposed to start college last fall and her fafsa took FOREVER to process and she ended up missing some school-specific scholarship deadline because of it. the whole systems ridiculous tbh

I had the exact same issue with my kids last year. After waiting 6+ weeks for my incoming freshman's application to process, I was getting desperate because housing deposit deadlines were approaching. I tried calling FSA for weeks - constant busy signals or getting disconnected after waiting on hold forever. I found a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual person at FAFSA. They have this system that holds your place in line and calls you back when an agent is available. I was skeptical but watched their demo video (https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ) and decided to try it. Got connected with an FSA agent who found that my son's application was flagged for verification but the notification email had gone to spam. Once I knew what was happening, I was able to submit the verification documents and get everything processed.

THE ENTIRE FAFSA SYSTEM IS BROKEN!!!! I'm in the EXACT same situation and have been waiting 7 WEEKS for my daughter's freshman application to process while my son's (sophomore) went through in 10 days. I called 23 TIMES last week and either got busy signals or was disconnected. When I finally got through, the rep had NO EXPLANATION and just said "keep waiting" - RIDICULOUS!!! How are families supposed to make college decisions when the system is this dysfunctional?

Ughhh FAFSA is so stressful this year! My twins are both incoming freshmen and one application was processed in 2 weeks while the other has been "in review" for almost 2 months now??? Makes zero sense since I submitted them on the same day with identical parent information.

Quick update on processing timelines for 2025-2026 applications - the Department of Education recently acknowledged they're experiencing longer processing times for first-time applicants due to the new FAFSA Simplification Act changes. The average processing time for returning students is currently 10-14 days, while first-time applicants are averaging 25-40 days. They've added additional staff to address the backlog, but it's still causing delays. If you're approaching critical deadlines for your incoming freshman, I recommend having your student contact the financial aid offices at their prospective schools to explain the situation. Most schools have protocols for handling FAFSA processing delays and can make provisional aid offers based on estimated SAI calculations.

has anybody noticed if putting different email addresses for each kid makes the processing faster or slower?? wondering if that matters

my son's fafsa got rejected THREE TIMES even though we entered everything right! turned out his social security number had a typo that i didnt catch. double check all the basic info before submitting!