Once you submit your FAFSA® on the government site, you and a parent (if you're considered a dependent) must sign the form. Your FAFSA® is only considered truly complete (and you will only receive financial aid funds) if you and your parent(s) sign it. (Here's how to sign.)
Once signed, FAFSA® applications are processed in 1-3 days. The following will then happen:
After filing, you will receive a Submission Summary with a record of all your FAFSA® answers. Ensure all the information on your Submission Summary is accurate and that no information is missing.
Your Submission Summary will include your Student Aid Index (SAI). The SAI determines your eligibility for a Federal Pell Grant, and the college uses the SAI to assess your eligibility for other federal and nonfederal student aid.
Each college that accepts you will also send you a financial aid award letter, detailing how much aid you’re being offered (and which types). Some schools may take a shorter time than others to notify you of this, but usually, it’s within a month of receiving your admissions letter.