FAFSA submission confusion - is there a final submission button after signing?

You're all set! The electronic signature with your FSA ID *is* the submission. There isn't a separate big 'SUBMIT' button after signing. If your FAFSA dashboard shows that your SAI (Student Aid Index) will be calculated, then your application has been successfully submitted. The system is processing it now. Just make sure to check your email regularly - they'll notify you when the processing is complete and you can view your SAI.

Oh thank you so much! That's a huge relief. I was so worried I'd done something wrong. Do you know approximately how long it takes for the SAI calculation to finish? I've been checking my dashboard obsessively.

yea theres no big submit button which is kinda stupid if u ask me. but ur good if u signed it. check ur email in a few days theyll send you confirmation

Thanks! Yeah, seems like they could make it more obvious that you're done. I'll watch for the email.

To clarify what others have said: signing with your FSA ID is indeed the final submission step. Once you've completed all sections and signed, your FAFSA is officially submitted. The confirmation page showing your SAI will be calculated is your proof of submission. \n\nHere's what happens next:\n1. Your FAFSA is sent to the schools you listed\n2. It typically takes 3-5 business days for processing\n3. You'll receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) by email\n4. Your SAI will be visible in your studentaid.gov account\n\nIf your FAFSA gets selected for verification (about 30% are), you'll get additional instructions.

My daughter's FAFSA got selected for verification last year and it was SUCH a headache. They kept asking for more documents even after we sent everything. Just be prepared for that possibility.

Yes, verification can be challenging. If selected, gather your documents early and follow instructions precisely. Most verification issues can be resolved efficiently if you stay organized.

I had THE EXACT SAME WORRY when I submitted mine a few weeks ago!!! The design is so confusing - they should make it way more obvious when you're actually done. But yes, after you sign with your FSA ID, that's it. You're submitted. I got my SAR (Student Aid Report) email about 4 days later, and my SAI showed up in my account after that. One thing to know - if there are any errors or issues with your application, they'll email you about those too, so keep an eye on your inbox!

That makes me feel so much better knowing it wasn't just me being confused! I'll watch for the SAR email. Did you have to do anything after getting it?

Nope! The SAR is just confirmation that your FAFSA was processed. It shows your SAI and summarizes your application. You don't need to do anything unless it says there's an error that needs fixing. It's really just for your records.

anyone else noticing that the new FAFSA is wayyy more confusing than last year? i swear they said it was supposed to be

OMG YES. The

I'm glad it's not just me struggling with it! This is my first year doing it myself so I wasn't sure if it was always this confusing.

Hey there! I had this exact same panic moment last month when I submitted mine. The process isn't very intuitive at all. But yes, signing with your FSA ID is the final step - there's no separate submit button after that.\n\nIf you're really worried about it, I'd recommend calling Federal Student Aid directly to confirm your submission was received. Fair warning though - I tried calling them multiple times and couldn't get through because of ridiculous wait times. I ended up using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an agent without the wait. They have a demo video here: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ \n\nThe agent confirmed my submission was fine and gave me peace of mind. Sometimes it's worth talking to an actual human to stop the anxiety spiral!

Thanks for the tip about Claimyr! I've been trying to call FSA for days with no luck. I'll check out that service if I don't get my SAR email soon.

Is that service legit? I'm always skeptical of third party services for government stuff.

@profile8 Totally understand the skepticism! It's just a call-back service that holds your place in line. I was hesitant too but it worked great for me. You still talk directly to the official FSA agents.

i think the most confusing part of fafsa is that u dont get actual aid amounts right away. u just get the SAI number and then have to wait for schools to tell u what that means for actual $$$. drove me crazy last year

Wait, really? I thought the SAI would tell me how much aid I qualified for. So I have to wait for each school to tell me separately?

That's correct. Your SAI (Student Aid Index) is used by schools to determine your aid package, but each school has different available funds and policies. Financial aid offers typically arrive with acceptance letters or shortly after, usually between February and April, depending on the school.

Also make sure to check if any of your schools require the CSS Profile in addition to FAFSA! I learned that the hard way - missed out on institutional aid from one university because I didn't realize they needed both forms. The CSS deadline might be different too.

Oh no, I had no idea! How do I find out which schools require CSS Profile?

You can check each school's financial aid website - they'll list all required forms. Generally, it's private colleges and universities that require the CSS Profile in addition to FAFSA. Public universities usually just need FAFSA. The CSS Profile has a fee, but fee waivers are available for eligible students.