FAFSA status changed from 'processed' to 'in review' after logging in - should I be worried?

same thing happened to me last week!!! processed then suddenly in review. i panicked too but then it went back to processed after like 3 days. no idea why it happens

Oh thank goodness it went back to normal for you! Did you have to do anything to make it change back or did it just happen automatically?

This is actually pretty common with the new FAFSA system. When you log in, the system sometimes runs an automatic verification check against your data, which can temporarily change the status. It's most likely nothing to worry about, but it could mean one of three things:\n\n1. Random automated review (most common)\n2. System detected a potential data discrepancy \n3. Your daughter's selected schools requested additional verification\n\nI recommend taking a screenshot of the current status and the previous SAI if you have it. If it doesn't revert back to 'processed' within 5 business days, you should contact FSA directly. In my experience working with students, this is rarely a problem that affects priority consideration as long as you submitted before deadlines.

Thank you for the detailed explanation! That makes me feel much better. I did submit well before the priority deadline, so hopefully we're still on track. I'll wait the 5 days like you suggested before panicking.

THIS IS COMPLETLY WRONG INFO!!! The system DOESNT do \

did u change any browser settings recently? i found that if i use a different browser or clear my cookies sometimes the fasfa site gets confused and shows weird status stuff

No, I used the same browser I always use (Chrome) and didn't clear any cookies or change settings. It's so strange!

College financial aid advisor here. What you're experiencing is related to the new processing system implemented for the 2025-2026 FAFSA. The Department of Education now runs periodic verification checks on applications even after they've been initially processed. Your logging in didn't trigger the review - it was likely scheduled to happen anyway, and the timing was coincidental.\n\nThe good news: As long as your original submission date was before your daughter's school's priority deadline, this review won't affect her consideration. The schools can see the original submission date in their systems.\n\nThe concerning part: These secondary reviews are taking longer than expected this year - sometimes 10-14 days. If you need to confirm the status for peace of mind, calling the Federal Student Aid Information Center is your best option, though wait times are extremely long right now (1-2 hours).

Thank you so much for this professional insight! It's reassuring to know this won't affect her priority consideration. The 10-14 day timeline is concerning though. Her school's deadline is May 1st, so I'll definitely be keeping an eye on this.

I had this exact situation with my son's FAFSA last month! After pulling my hair out trying to get through to FSA on the phone (kept getting disconnected after 45+ minutes of waiting), I found a service called Claimyr that got me through to an actual person in about 20 minutes. They explained that these status changes are happening a lot with the new system and gave me confirmation that my son's aid package wouldn't be affected.\n\nIf you want peace of mind without the endless hold times, I'd recommend checking out their site at claimyr.com - they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ\n\nDefinitely worth it to get an actual answer instead of stressing for days!

does that really work?? the phone waits r killing me i tried calling 3x and gave up each time

@confusedmom51 Yes, it actually does! I was super skeptical at first but I was desperate after my third disconnected call. They basically hold your place in line and call you when they get a real person. Saved me hours of frustration.

My theory is that it changes to

That's a good theory about the IRS verification. It's somewhat comforting to hear that your daughter's SAI didn't change after the review. I'm really hoping for the same outcome here!

I honestly don't think you have anything to worry about. This new FAFSA system has so many random glitches. My daughter actually got her financial aid package from her top choice while her FAFSA was still

One more thing - if your FAFSA does stay in review past 7 days, I'd recommend having your daughter email the financial aid offices at her schools to let them know about the situation. Most schools are being very accommodating this year because of all the FAFSA issues. They may even be able to check her status in their system and provide reassurance.

That's excellent advice, thank you. I'll definitely have her email the schools if this continues past next week. It's good to know they're being understanding about these system issues.

I just went through this exact same thing two weeks ago with my twin daughters' FAFSAs! Both showed "processed" for over a month, then one randomly switched to "in review" when I logged in to check their status. I was terrified because their ED2 school had a March 15th deadline. Here's what I learned after calling FSA (finally got through after using that Claimyr service someone mentioned - totally worth it): The system now does these random "quality assurance" checks on a certain percentage of processed applications. It has absolutely nothing to do with you logging in - that's just unfortunate timing. The good news is that one daughter's status went back to "processed" after 6 days with the same SAI, and she got her financial aid package right on schedule. The other one took 11 days but also came back normal. Both schools confirmed that the original submission date is what matters for priority consideration, not when these random reviews happen. My advice: screenshot everything now for your records, and don't stress too much. This seems to be happening to a lot of families this year!

I'm so glad I found this thread! My son's FAFSA did the exact same thing yesterday - went from "processed" to "in review" just from me logging in to check something. I was absolutely panicking thinking I had somehow messed up his application. Reading everyone's experiences here, especially @The Boss with the twins and @Nina Chan's professional insight, has been incredibly reassuring. It sounds like this is just one of those frustrating quirks of the new FAFSA system. I'm going to follow the advice to screenshot everything and wait it out. Thank you all for sharing your stories - it really helps to know we're not alone in dealing with these random system glitches!

I'm a newcomer here but dealing with the exact same panic! My daughter's FAFSA just switched from "processed" to "in review" this morning when I logged in to double-check her SAI for a scholarship deadline. I thought I had somehow broken her application! Reading through all these experiences has been such a lifesaver - it's incredible how many families are going through this same stressful situation. The explanation about random quality assurance checks makes so much sense, and hearing that the original submission date is what matters for priority deadlines is hugely reassuring. I'm taking everyone's advice to screenshot everything and wait it out. Thank you all for sharing your stories - it's so comforting to know this is just a system quirk and not something we did wrong!