How long does it take to get FAFSA SAI score after submitting application?

It's totally normal for processing times to vary. I submitted mine last week and got my SAI in 4 days. The official timeline is 3-5 business days (so weekends don't count). If you just submitted 3 days ago and one was a weekend day, you're still in the normal window. Don't stress yet!

mine took 7 business days to process last month, way longer than they said. no explanation. system is just slow this year i guess

If you don't receive your SAI within 5 business days, you should definitely contact Federal Student Aid. There might be an issue with your application that's causing the delay - sometimes they need additional verification or there's an error with your information. I've helped several students with this issue, and often there's a simple explanation. Have you checked if your application is complete? Sometimes it shows as "Processing" but there are actually required action items you need to complete. Log into studentaid.gov and check if there are any alerts or action items.

I'm currently going through the same thing! My FAFSA has been processing for 6 business days now. I'm starting to get worried too because I have scholarship deadlines coming up that need my SAI score. Did anyone here have their FAFSA take longer than 5 days but eventually process without having to contact anyone?

For the housing application deadline - you don't necessarily need to wait for your official SAI. Many schools will accept your FAFSA confirmation number as proof that you've applied for financial aid. I would recommend contacting your school's housing office directly and explaining the situation. They deal with this all the time and usually have a process for conditional housing applications while financial aid is still processing.

My sON's FAFSA took 2 WEEKS to process last month!!! The whole system is broken with the new form. When I called to check on status they kept putting me on hold or disconnecting. FINALLY got thru after 3 days of trying and they said there was a "verification flag" on his app that was causing the delay but nobody bothered to tell us!!! So frustrating!!!

Just to clarify something important - what you're waiting for is your Student Aid Index (SAI), not a "FAFSA score." The SAI replaced the old Expected Family Contribution (EFC) in the 2024-2025 cycle. This number helps schools determine your financial need and aid packages. Processing times definitely vary based on: - Time of year (peak periods are slower) - Whether verification is required - If there are any data discrepancies - System load/technical issues If you're approaching day 5 of business days and still nothing, then it's worth trying to contact them.

when i did mine for last year it took like 2 days but my friend is still waiting after 8 days... i think its just luck honestly lol

Quick update for everyone in this thread - the Department of Education announced yesterday that they're experiencing higher than normal processing volumes right now, and some applications may take up to 10 business days to process. This is temporary and they're working to speed things up. If your application takes longer than 10 business days, then you should definitely contact them as something else might be wrong.

UPDATE: Just got my SAI this morning! Took exactly 5 business days. For anyone else waiting - hang in there! And thanks everyone for the advice about the housing application - I contacted the school and they said the FAFSA confirmation number is fine for now as long as I update them when I get my actual aid package.