Are you applying for admission to more than one college? Trying figure out which college is the most affordable? Want the best aid package? This may end up being a two- or three- part series, but we'll see what happens here.
The electronic Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) allows students to list up to 10 college choices. For each college selected, the Federal Processor will send your FAFSA information to that school electronically. The school will then review your FAFSA and either request any additional documentation required, or send you an award letter outlining your financial aid eligibility at that particular school. One thing to remember, you must be admitted into a degree program to receive financial aid. Some colleges (like mine) may not process your FASFA information at all until you have been fully admitted into a college degree program. Others may send you an award letter, but the aid is assumed until you are in the degree program. Most colleges of which I'm aware use the former process and wait for your admission degree acceptance. Check with the colleges in which you are interested to see if this is the case. Maybe you can save a few bucks on admissions applications.
Something else to keep in the back of your mind is that financial aid offices all over the country have very differing routines when processing applications. While my school begins sending award letters in January, I know of other schools who don't send award announcements until later in the summer. It's very possible you will hear from your chosen schools over a period of several months. I'm sure it frustrating when you're waiting for the last one or two award notifications so you can decide on a college.
I always harp about filing the FAFSA early, but another piece of advice I'd like to give is to notify your financial aid officer if you will be attending college on a less-than-full-time basis, will take online or telecommunications courses, or will be living somewhere other than on campus (for residential colleges). Oh, and if you will receive any type of outside scholarship or other assistance (ex. JTPA, Civil Service Waiver, etc.). I mention this because a college may need to adjust your financial aid budget at that particular school if they are using a standard full-time, on-campus budget for you. Don't wait until school starts for financial aid offices to find out because it could mean a reduction and delay in receiving your aid. If the schools you are applying to are mainly online schools, check to see what they use in your budget (or cost of attendance) so neither of you are surprised when it comes time to disburse aid. By letting the colleges know your enrollment plans upfront, they can create your financial aid package based on the best estimate possible.