Completing the FAFSA can be like walking through a maze. With tax returns, family income, and all those questions in between, it’s far too easy to get something wrong. But here’s the good news: you’re not alone, and for most people, those FAFSA errors can be corrected.
Whether you’re worried about putting in the wrong Social Security number or accidentally leaving a college off your list, this blog is your go-to. We’ll walk you through the most common FAFSA mistakes, show you how to fix them, and give tips on how to avoid errors in the future.
Can You Fix a FAFSA Error? (Short Answer: Yes!)
Let’s still those jitters first: Yes, you can fix most mistakes on your FAFSA after it’s been submitted.
The FAFSA application isn’t finished until schools have your information—and even then, you can update and make adjustments. You just need to know how and when to do this (no worries, we’ll cover that too!).
You’ll need to log into your FAFSA account and use the “Make FAFSA Corrections” option. But before we get to that, let’s take a look at what may have been wrong.
Recommended Reading: Does FAFSA Cover Summer Classes?
11 FAFSA Blunders and How to Steer Clear of Them
Blank may be interpreted as “skipped” instead of “zero.” If a question doesn’t apply to you, just type “0” — don’t leave it blank!
Double- and triple-check your name and SSN exactly as it appears on your documents. Mistakes in these can cause major delays.
If you have divorced or separated parents, report the income of the parent whom you lived with most during the past 12 months—just one, not both.
It automatically retrieves accurate tax details. If you steer clear of it, it’s more likely you’ll enter erroneous numbers.
FAFSA requires prior-prior year tax information. For the 2025-26 school year, you’ll need to report using the 2023 tax return.
Child support, disability, and other untaxed money needs to be reported accurately. Too many students fail to note these.
This one’s more prevalent than you might think. If you or your parents forget to sign electronically (using your FSA ID), the form is not complete.
Deadlines vary between institutions and states. Filing late can cost you thousands in aid eligibility.
Fill in all the colleges you’re applying to—even if you don’t know. You can list up to 20 schools.
Household size is whoever you reside with and gets more than half of their assistance from your parents.
You shouldn’t list your primary residence as an asset. Numerous families get this one wrong, inflating their income figures.
What If You Gave the Wrong Information?
So what if you actually did make a mistake?
Depending on the error, it could lead to:
- A reduced package of financial assistance
- Delay in disbursing aid
- A request for verification (you need to provide additional documents)
- The wrong Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
The cure? Don’t ignore it. The sooner you fix the error, the better. Colleges base their calculations of how much aid you’re eligible for on your FAFSA information—if that information is inaccurate, your aid package might be as well.
Recommended Reading: How To Get Into The Ivy League School [2025 Guide]
Step-by-Step: How to Correct a FAFSA Error
Here’s how to correct FAFSA errors in a hurry:
Step 1: Log into your FAFSA account at FAFSA.gov
Step 2: Click “Make FAFSA Corrections”
Step 3: Update your incorrect information (e.g., tax info, school list, household size)
Step 4: Sign and resubmit the corrected form
Step 5: Check your email or FAFSA dashboard for confirmation
What you can’t change online:
- Your Social Security number
- Your name
- Your date of birth
If you need to fix any of those, call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243.
Pro Tips to Prevent FAFSA Errors in the Future
- Double-check everything — even the “easy” stuff
- File early — don’t wait until the deadline
- Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to avoid number mix-ups
- Keep documents handy — tax returns, W-2s, and bank statements
- Use a checklist (like the one below!) to stay organized
FAFSA Mistake Prevention Checklist
Include these:
- Used IRS DRT
- Entered correct SSN
- Listed all colleges
- Reported correct household size
- Entered “0” instead of leaving blanks
- Checked spelling of all names
- Signed with FSA ID
- Verified tax year
Final Thoughts: Mistakes Happen — Just Don’t Ignore Them
It’s not the end of the world to have an error on a FAFSA. The most significant thing is you catch it early, correct it quickly, and learn for the next time.
Whether it’s a small typo or a big money blunder, the FAFSA can be fixed. Take a deep breath, follow the steps above, and don’t worry about asking for help. Your college financial aid is counting on it!
Moonpreneur is dedicated to transforming conventional education, preparing the next generation with comprehensive learning experiences. Our Innovator Program equips students with vital skills in AI/ML, Robotics, Coding, Game Development, and App Development, fostering entrepreneurship through hands-on learning. This initiative aims to cultivate the workforce of tomorrow by integrating innovative technologies and practical skills in school curriculums.
Register for a 60-minute free workshop today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can make multiple corrections, as long as it’s before your school deadline.
It might—especially if it leads to verification or incorrect income data.
You can scroll back and edit your school list. FAFSA allows up to 20 schools.
Yes. Some schools have financial aid staff who can help you or even submit corrections for you.
