How to add schools to your FAFSA

You add schools to your FAFSA through the same account where you filled out the form itself. Log into StudentAid.gov with your FSA ID, go to your submitted FAFSA, and select "Add/Manage Schools." You can then search for schools by name or by their six-digit Federal School Code, which you'll find on each school's financial aid website or by searching the Federal School Code lookup tool on StudentAid.gov. Once you add a school, the Department of Education sends your FAFSA information to that school's financial aid office automatically — you don't need to contact the school yourself.

You can add schools at any time after you submit your FAFSA, even after the federal deadline of June 30. Schools receive your information within a few days of when you add them. If you're still deciding between schools or your plans change, you can add more schools later. There's no limit to how many schools you can list, though most students add between three and seven.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into StudentAid.gov with your FSA ID and open your submitted FAFSA to add or remove schools.
  • Search for schools by name or by their six-digit Federal School Code, which is available on each school's financial aid website.
  • The Department of Education sends your FAFSA data to schools automatically once you add them — no separate step is needed.
  • You can add schools anytime after submitting your FAFSA, including after the June 30 federal deadline.
  • Removing a school from your FAFSA stops that school from receiving your information, but does not affect your other school choices.

Finding the Federal School Code

Every school has a six-digit Federal School Code. The fastest way to find it is to visit the school's financial aid office website — most schools list it prominently on their "FAFSA" or "How to Apply" page. You can also search the Federal School Code lookup tool directly on StudentAid.gov by typing the school's name, city, or state.

If you're looking at a branch campus or satellite location, make sure you're using the code for that specific location, not the main campus code. Community colleges, four-year universities, trade schools, and graduate programs all have their own codes. If you can't find the code online, call the school's financial aid office — they can give it to you in seconds.

Adding schools on mobile versus desktop

The StudentAid.gov website works on phones and tablets, but the process is easier on a desktop or laptop. The "Add/Manage Schools" section involves several steps and small buttons that are harder to tap accurately on a small screen. If you're on a phone, you can still do it, but expect it to take a few extra minutes.

If you run into problems on mobile, you can bookmark the page and finish on a computer later. Your FAFSA is saved automatically, so you won't lose any information by switching devices.

What happens after you add a school

Once you add a school, the Department of Education sends your FAFSA data to that school's financial aid office within a few business days. The school then uses your information to calculate how much federal aid you may receive and to build a financial aid package. You'll usually hear from the school within two to four weeks with an aid offer, though some schools take longer, especially during peak application season in spring.

The school will contact you by email or through its student portal to tell you what aid is available. You don't need to do anything else — just watch for their message. If you don't hear from a school within a month, contact their financial aid office to confirm they received your FAFSA.

Removing schools from your FAFSA

You can remove a school from your FAFSA at any time by logging into StudentAid.gov, opening your FAFSA, and selecting "Add/Manage Schools." Find the school you want to remove and click the delete or remove option. Once you remove a school, it no longer receives your FAFSA information, and you won't receive aid offers from that school.

Removing a school doesn't affect your other school choices or your FAFSA itself. You can add the school back later if you change your mind. There's no penalty for adding and removing schools — it's a normal part of the college decision process.

Adding schools after the June 30 deadline

The federal FAFSA deadline is June 30, but you can still add schools after that date. Schools added after the deadline will receive your FAFSA information, but you may miss state or school-specific aid deadlines. Many states and schools have their own earlier deadlines for aid — usually in March or April — and adding a school after June 30 means you won't be considered for those funds.

If you're adding schools in the fall or later, contact each school's financial aid office to ask whether you've missed their priority deadline. Some schools will still award aid on a first-come, first-served basis even after their deadline passes, while others will not. Knowing the school's policy helps you understand what aid you might still receive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to add all my schools before I submit my FAFSA?

No. You can submit your FAFSA with just one school listed, then add more schools later. Many students add schools over time as they narrow down their choices or decide where to apply.

What if I can't find a school's Federal School Code?

Call the school's financial aid office — they can provide the code immediately. You can also try searching the Federal School Code lookup tool on StudentAid.gov by the school's name and city. If it's a very new school or a small program, the financial aid office is your best resource.

Can I add a school that I haven't officially applied to yet?

Yes. Adding a school to your FAFSA does not count as applying to that school. You still need to submit a separate application through the school's admissions office. Adding the school to your FAFSA just tells the school's financial aid office to expect your information.

How long does it take for a school to receive my FAFSA after I add it?

Usually a few business days. The Department of Education sends your data automatically once you add the school. Contact the school's financial aid office if you don't hear from them within three to four weeks.

Can I change the order of schools on my FAFSA?

The order doesn't matter for federal aid purposes — all schools receive the same FAFSA information regardless of where they appear on your list. You can organize them however makes sense to you, or leave them in the order you added them.