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Before you dive back into your summer routine, let’s take a few minutes to get your financial future in order. Trust us—future you (and your bank account) will thank you.
Let's be honest: financial aid paperwork probably isn’t on your summer bucket list. Between beach days, summer classes, part-time jobs, and finally catching up on sleep—you’re not exactly itching to log back into the FAFSA portal.
But here’s the truth bomb that surprises a lot of students: you have to reapply for financial aid every single year you’re in college.
We get it. You already went through this once (maybe more than once) and thought you were done. But reapplying is how you continue receiving federal grants, loans, and even some institutional scholarships. And if you skip it or file late? You could miss out on thousands of dollars in aid you were eligible for.
Here’s the good news: this time around, it’s likely to feel a whole lot easier. You’ve done it before, you know what to expect, and we’re here to walk you through exactly what to do—step-by-step. Whether this is your second round of financial aid or your fourth, we’ve got tips, reminders, and common mistakes to avoid.
So before you dive back into your summer routine, let’s take a few minutes to get your financial future in order. Trust us—future you (and your bank account) will thank you.
Great question. Financial aid isn’t a one-time deal. Each year, the government and your college use your updated information to determine how much aid you're eligible for. That includes things like changes in your (or your family’s) income, how many siblings are in college, or major life events like a job loss or medical expenses.
Even if nothing has changed, reapplying ensures that aid like Pell Grants, state grants, work-study, and subsidized loans stay in place.
✅ Pro tip: Some aid—especially campus-based funds—is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Applying early = better chances of getting your full share.
The FAFSA for the 2025–2026 school year is expected to open in October 2024. (Bookmark that.) Each college sets its own priority deadline—some as early as December or January—so don’t wait until the last minute!
Check your school’s financial aid page and set a few digital reminders on your phone or calendar. Seriously, future-you will appreciate it.
Here’s your quick FAFSA checklist:
⚡ Pro tip: Most of your information from last year will carry over, but always double-check. And if you’re not sure whether something’s changed—ask!
Life happens. If your financial picture looks different this year—maybe your parent lost a job, or your household faced unexpected medical bills—you’re not stuck with the old numbers.
1. Submit your FAFSA with the usual required info.
2. Then contact your college’s financial aid office and ask for a “professional judgment” review. They may be able to update your aid package based on new circumstances.
Every school has its own process, but it’s worth the conversation—especially if your financial need has increased.
Let’s keep your aid on track and your stress levels low. Watch out for these common FAFSA missteps:
❌ Missing the priority deadline
❌ Using the wrong year’s tax info (You’ll use 2023 taxes for 2025–26 aid)
❌ Leaving blanks or skipping “optional” questions (some aren’t really optional!)
❌ Forgetting to sign and submit (Yes, it still happens. Double-check for confirmation emails.)
Take your time, and don’t rush through it—those little mistakes can cause big delays.
You might think scholarships are just for high school seniors, but that’s not true! Tons of organizations offer scholarships for current college students, transfer students, and even grad students.
Make it a habit to apply for at least a few scholarships each semester. It’s one of the easiest ways to reduce how much you need to borrow.
The College Funding Hero team posts new, verified scholarship opportunities weekly inside our portal—so if you’re not already signed up, now’s the time!
You don’t have to figure all this out on your own. Inside the College Funding Hero student portal, we’ve got everything you need to make reapplying for financial aid a breeze:
You deserve to go to college without drowning in student debt—and we’re here to help you make it happen.
Reapplying for financial aid each summer may not be glamorous—but it’s one of the most important steps you can take to keep college affordable. The earlier you complete it, the more options you'll have and the less likely you are to face financial surprises later.
So grab your laptop, block off an hour, and get it done. (Then go back to enjoying summer—you earned it!)
And remember: College Funding Hero has your back every step of the way.
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