FAFSA Guide for Nontraditional Students

Understanding Financial Aid When Life Looks a Little Different

What Is the FAFSA and Why Should You Care?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form you fill out to determine your eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid. This includes:

State and Federal Grants (free money you don’t pay back)
Federal student loans (with low interest rates and flexible repayment)
Work-study programs
Some scholarships and tuition waivers

Even if you think you won’t qualify for much, it’s always worth filling it out. Many schools and states use FAFSA information to award aid, even if you’re not applying for federal loans.

What You’ll Need to Complete the FAFSA

Before you start, gather the following:

Your Social Security number (or Alien Registration Number if applicable)
Federal tax return and W-2s from two years ago (e.g., for 2025–2026 FAFSA, use 2023 taxes)
Records of untaxed income (VA disability, child support, etc.)
Bank statements and records of investments
Your FSA ID (create one at studentaid.gov)

If you’re married, you’ll also need your spouse’s tax information. If you’re considered a dependent student (see below), you’ll need a parent’s information.

What If My Income Has Changed?

FAFSA uses tax info from two years ago, which may not reflect your current situation—especially if you’ve had a major loss of income, job change, or unexpected expenses (like a medical crisis or separation).

You’re not alone. Many nontraditional students face this.

If your current income is significantly lower than what’s on your taxes, you can request a special circumstances review from your college’s financial aid office.

This process is sometimes called:

A Professional Judgment Review
Income Adjustment Appeal
Change in Circumstance Request

To request one, you’ll typically need:

A personal statement explaining the situation
Documentation (layoff notice, current pay stub, benefit letter, etc.)
Any updated tax information or budget records

This does not change your FAFSA, but your college can adjust your financial aid package based on your current reality.

FAFSA Tips for Nontraditional Students

Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to import tax info quickly
If you’re unsure about a question, look for the “?” icons or use studentaid.gov/help
Don’t skip questions—it’s better to enter “0” than leave something blank
If you’re married, report your and your spouse’s combined income
Create a checklist of deadlines for your state and school (some have early priority aid deadlines)
FAFSA opens each year on October 1 (or later for 2024–2025 due to system updates)

Common FAFSA Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the FAFSA because you “won’t qualify”
Many nontraditional students qualify for Pell Grants and state aid

Entering your info as a dependent when you qualify as independent
Check the status questions carefully before you start

Forgetting to sign and submit the form
Use your FSA ID to sign electronically and confirm submission

Not updating your school list
You can list up to 20 colleges on your FAFSA, and you can update it later

Final Thoughts:

Completing the FAFSA can feel intimidating—especially if it’s been a while since you’ve done any paperwork like this. But it’s one of the most important steps in making college affordable.

As a nontraditional student, your path may not look like everyone else’s. That’s okay. The FAFSA is built to work for a variety of situations, and schools are often more flexible and helpful than you’d think—especially if you ask for what you need.

You’re not just filling out a form. You’re opening the door to opportunity.