FAFSA Online vs. FAFSA on Paper
Should you fill out the FAFSA online or on paper?
You have two choices when you fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid: online with FAFSA on the Web, or the old-fashioned way— on paper. FAFSA recommends that you save a tree and fill out the FAFSA online.
Why?
Here are some of the benefits when you fill out a FAFSA online:
Access to Help: With FAFSA on the Web, help is readily available. If you have trouble with a specific section, you can click the “Need Help?†icon at the bottom of each page. One-on-one real-time help from a customer service representative is also available by clicking “Live Help†at the top of each FAFSA webpage.
Worksheets: FAFSA online provides worksheets that automatically calculate and enter data for you, saving you time and energy.
Automatically Checks for Errors: FAFSA on the Web features built-in error checking. If you fill out your FAFSA online, it will probably be more accurate than one submitted on paper.
Easy Electronic Signing: You can use a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to sign your FAFSA online. With the paper application, you must mail in a signature page.
Automatic Save: FAFSA on the Web allows you to save your application at any time and return to it later.
Faster Student Aid Report: You will receive your Student Aid Report, or SAR, more quickly when you fill out your FAFSA online rather than with paper or PDF versions.
More Spaces for Colleges: FAFSA on the Web allows you to list ten colleges. The paper version has space for only four.
Saves the Federal Government Money: When you fill out your FAFSA online, you will save the federal government money in processing costs. Do it for Uncle Sam!
If you have an internet-ready computer at your disposal, there’s really no reason not to fill out your FAFSA online. If you’re still not convinced, you can print a paper copy of the FAFSA or order one starting November 1 each year. Call 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3242) or 1-391-337-5665. (Those who are hearing impaired can call the TTY number at 1-800-730-8913.)
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