Does FAFSA transfer when you transfer colleges?

I'm planning to transfer to a different college next year and I'm wondering if my FAFSA information and aid will transfer with me. Do I need to fill out a new FAFSA, or can I just update my current application with the new school's details?

Yes, your FAFSA does have the ability to be utilized when you transfer schools, but you'll need to perform a little bit of management on your end. First, you’ll need to add the school you're transferring to on your previously submitted Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. This can be done by logging into your account on the FAFSA website, making a correction to your FAFSA, and then adding the school code of your new institution. Once you've made this change and submitted it, your new school will have access to your FAFSA information and can determine your aid eligibility.

However, remember that each school has its own process for awarding aid, so the amount of aid you receive could potentially change, even if your financial situation has not. In other words, the financial aid package from your new school might not look identical to the one from your old school. It's always a good idea to contact the school's financial aid office to discuss how transferring will affect your financial aid. They can help you understand the specific practices of the institution and what to expect in terms of financial aid.