After submitting your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you'll receive a FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS). This guide will help you understand the FSS, its importance, and how to use it effectively in your financial aid journey.
What is the FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS)?
The FSS replaces the old Student Aid Report (SAR). It provides a comprehensive overview of your financial aid eligibility, information about your chosen schools, and guidance on next steps in the financial aid process.
Key Features of the FSS:
- Confirmation of FAFSA submission and processing
- Your Student Aid Index (SAI)
- Estimated federal aid eligibility
- School information
- Next steps and comments
Accessing Your FSS
- Log in to your StudentAid.gov account
- Find the FSS on your Dashboard
- The FSS is typically available 1-3 business days after submitting your FAFSA
- Only you, the student, can access the FSS—not your form contributors
Main Sections of the FSS
1. Eligibility Overview
- Shows your confirmed Student Aid Index (SAI)
- Provides estimates of federal student aid, including grants, work-study, and loans
- Indicates if you've been selected for verification (marked with an asterisk next to your SAI)
2. FAFSA Form Answers
- Displays all the answers provided on your FAFSA form
- Allows you to review for accuracy and make corrections if needed
3. School Information
- Lists the schools you've selected to receive your FAFSA information
- Provides key statistics for each school, including graduation rates, retention rates, and average annual costs
4. Next Steps
- Outlines important actions you need to take
- Provides additional information for your awareness
Understanding Your Student Aid Index (SAI)
The SAI is an index number used by schools to determine your financial aid eligibility.
- A negative SAI indicates higher financial need
- The SAI is not a bill or the amount you're expected to pay
Estimated Federal Student Aid
Your FSS includes estimates for:
- Federal Pell Grant eligibility
- Federal Direct Loan eligibility
- Work-Study eligibility
Remember, these are estimates. Your school's final aid offer may differ.
Verification Process
If selected for verification:
- An asterisk will appear next to your SAI
- Your school(s) will contact you for additional documentation
- Respond promptly to ensure timely processing of your aid
Making Corrections or Changes
If you find errors in your FAFSA form:
- Use the "Make a Correction" button on the FAFSA Form Answers tab
- You can also make corrections from the "Details" page of your processed FAFSA submission
- Contributors can make corrections to their own sections through their StudentAid.gov accounts
For significant life changes affecting your ability to pay for school, contact your school's financial aid office directly.
Additional Resources
The FSS page provides links to:
- "My Aid" section: View detailed information about your existing federal loan and grant aid
- College Scorecard: Compare schools based on factors like student earnings and debt after graduation
Conclusion
Your FAFSA Submission Summary is a crucial tool in understanding your financial aid eligibility and planning for college expenses. Review it carefully, take any required actions promptly, and use the provided resources to make informed decisions about your education funding.
