How Do You Check FAFSA Status?
Find out how to check FAFSA status in your StudentAid.gov Dashboard, what Draft, In Review, Processed, and Action Required mean, and what to do next.
To check FAFSA status, sign in to StudentAid.gov and look under My Activity on your Dashboard. FAFSA status can show whether the form is still a Draft, In Review, Processed, or Action Required. If Action Required appears, open the form details and follow the listed correction or missing-item instructions.
FAFSA status meanings
Draft
Started but not submitted
Finish sections, invites, and signatures
In Review
Submitted and being processed
Wait and monitor for updates
Processed
Processing completed
Review the FAFSA Submission Summary
Action Required
Correction or missing step needed
Open details and fix the issue
Invite or contributor pending
Contributor has not finished
Ask contributor to complete their section
Status is in the account dashboard
FAFSA status is not just an email update. Your StudentAid.gov Dashboard is the source to check current form status, contributor progress, school list details, and next action prompts.
Check status
- 1Sign in to the student's StudentAid.gov account.
- 2Go to the Dashboard and find My Activity.
- 3Select the FAFSA form for the correct aid year.
- 4Read the status label and any listed next steps.
- 5Return after processing to review the FAFSA Submission Summary.
FAQ
What does In Review mean on FAFSA?
In Review means the FAFSA form has been submitted but has not finished processing. Keep checking your StudentAid.gov Dashboard for updates or requests for action.
What does Action Required mean on FAFSA?
Action Required means something needs correction or follow-up before the FAFSA can move forward. Open the form details in My Activity and follow the listed instructions.
Why can't I find my FAFSA in My Activity?
Make sure you are signed in to the correct StudentAid.gov account and that the form was started or submitted under that account. Contributors may see invite or section details differently than the student.
Sources & method
We reviewed these references while writing this answer. Figures are estimates — confirm safety-critical work with a professional. Last updated June 7, 2026.
- 7 Things To Do After Submitting Your FAFSA FormFederal Student Aid · studentaid.govSupports locating FAFSA status under My Activity and interpreting Draft, In Review, Processed, and Action Required statuses.
- Key Facts About Your StudentAid.gov AccountFederal Student Aid · studentaid.govSupports that FAFSA status appears in the StudentAid.gov Dashboard and that form details are visible through My Activity.