Understanding the Process
The FAFSA Cycle
Students ...
- The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is updated by the Federal Processor each year and is available after January 1 for the academic year in which the student wishes to receive aid.
- Student should submit the FAFSA/Renewal FAFSA with valid signatures to the Federal Processor by March 11. March 11 is the Virginia Tech on-time deadline to submit the FAFSA. Applications submitted after March 11 will be considered late and will result in reduced award amounts.
- Students will receive an emailed Student Aid Report (SAR) in approximately two to four weeks after submitting the FAFSA, to the email address they list on the FAFSA.
- Students should review the SAR results and keep a copy with their permanent records.
- Students and Parents should correct any estimated tax information on the FAFSA once actual tax information is known. Students should not make any other corrections without consulting with our staff. Some corrections can change a student's Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and result in receiving less aid.
- Virginia Tech students do not need to complete any verification requirements noted on the SAR. Virginia Tech does not participate in the Federal Verification Program. Instead we participate in the Federal Quality Assurance Program, which allows our financial aid staff to study our student population, and only verify certain FAFSA items that historically have been error-prone for our students. Documents that we have requested are visible by the student on the Hokie SPA.
- If Virginia Tech needs further information, we will notify the student via email or regular mail.
Our Office ...
- Will receive an electronic copy of your Student Aid Report if you listed Virginia Tech’s school code (003754) on the FAFSA (Item 97a).
- Our office may request additional information from you if necessary. If we have requested additional information to process your application, you will not be awarded financial aid until all requested documentation is received. However, please do not submit any information to us unless requested. Doing so may slow down the awarding of your financial aid because all documents submitted must be reviewed by our staff even if no additionally documentation was needed.
- Award notifications will be sent to all applicants once the financial aid file is complete. If you are an entering freshman or new student and have not received an award notification by April 15, contact our office. Continuing students that have not received an award notification by June 15 should contact our office.
