If you’re heading to college soon (or reapplying for financial aid), filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is one of the most important steps you’ll take. Your FAFSA doesn’t just determine federal grants and loans — it can also unlock state aid, institutional scholarships, and even work-study opportunities. In short: your FAFSA can make a huge difference in how much you pay for college.

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But here’s the catch: a simple mistake on your FAFSA can cost you thousands of dollars in missed aid. Many students either rush through the form, skip questions they don’t fully understand, or rely on assumptions that turn out to be wrong. The good news? If you know what to look out for, you can avoid these errors and maximize your financial aid.

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Here are 10 common FAFSA mistakes you’ll want to steer clear of this year.

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1. Missing the FAFSA Deadline

This is the number one mistake students make — and the most costly. Federal deadlines are strict, but states and colleges also have their own (often earlier) deadlines for aid. Submitting late can mean losing eligibility for grants and scholarships that don’t get replenished once the money is gone. Always check your state and school deadlines and submit as early as possible — the FAFSA usually opens in October.

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2. Not Creating (or Protecting) Your FSA ID Properly

Your FSA ID is your electronic signature for the FAFSA. Without it, you can’t submit the form. Many students forget their login info or don’t create one ahead of time, which delays their application. Pro tip: set it up before the FAFSA opens and keep your login stored securely — you’ll use it every year you apply.

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3. Leaving Questions Blank

It may feel easier to skip a question if you’re unsure, but blank fields can delay your application or lower your aid eligibility. Instead, use “0” or “not applicable” when it fits. FAFSA uses your answers to calculate the Student Aid Index (SAI), so leaving blanks could mean the system doesn’t get a full picture of your need.

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4. Mixing Up Student and Parent Information

This is one of the most common (and confusing) errors. Remember: the FAFSA belongs to the student, even if parents are filling it out. Double-check that names, Social Security numbers, and financial info are entered in the right sections. Accidentally putting parent data in student fields (or vice versa) can lead to delays and corrections later.

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5. Reporting Taxes Incorrectly

FAFSA pulls tax information from your (and your parents’) tax returns, but mistakes still happen. Some families use the wrong year’s tax data or enter adjusted gross income incorrectly. If possible, use the IRS Direct Data Exchange (DDX) tool, which automatically imports your tax info to prevent errors.

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6. Not Including All Eligible Colleges

You don’t have to be admitted to a school to list it on your FAFSA. Many students list only one or two schools, but you can include up to 20. Listing more schools increases your chances of being considered for state and institutional aid. Even if you’re unsure, add every school you’re thinking about — it won’t hurt your application.

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7. Underestimating Assets or Misreporting Them

When reporting savings, investments, and other assets, some families underreport or accidentally include items that shouldn’t be counted (like retirement accounts). Be careful here — FAFSA has specific rules about what needs to be reported. Incorrectly reporting assets could mean losing aid or facing corrections later.

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8. Forgetting to Sign and Submit

Believe it or not, some students fill out the entire FAFSA and then forget to sign and hit submit. Without signatures from both the student (and parent, if required), the FAFSA is considered incomplete. Always double-check that you’ve received a confirmation email — that’s how you know it went through.

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9. Not Updating After Major Life Changes

Financial aid isn’t set in stone. If your family’s financial situation changes — for example, due to job loss, medical expenses, or other major circumstances — you may qualify for more aid. Many students don’t realize they can update their FAFSA or appeal to their school’s financial aid office. Don’t leave money on the table by staying silent.

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10. Assuming You Won’t Qualify for Aid

Some families don’t even bother filling out the FAFSA because they assume their income is too high. That’s a huge mistake. Even if you don’t qualify for need-based grants, many schools require a FAFSA on file for merit scholarships, work-study programs, or low-interest federal loans. Always apply — you might be surprised at what you qualify for.

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Final Thoughts

The FAFSA can feel intimidating, but avoiding these mistakes will make the process smoother and ensure you don’t miss out on valuable financial aid. Remember: every year, billions of dollars in federal aid go unused simply because students don’t apply or make errors on their applications. Don’t let that be you.

And if you want step-by-step help on completing your FAFSA — plus access to more scholarships, courses, and office hours with a college funding pro — check out Fund Your Future, our free student portal at College Funding Hero.

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