How to Fill Out The FAFSA When You’re Pregnant

Expecting a baby while in college? Filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) can be stressful for anyone, but it can feel especially overwhelming when you’re pregnant. Balancing financial stress, unexpected pregnancy, and the demands of college is a lot to handle. If you’re wondering how big life changes like these impact your eligibility for federal financial aid, keep reading. In this guide, we’ll walk through common questions about the FAFSA, ensuring you get the support you need to succeed in school with a growing family.

Is my unborn baby included in my household size on my FAFSA?
The FAFSA was overhauled for the 2024-2025 school year. In the past, students were able to claim unborn children on their FAFSA under certain conditions. However, this has changed. If you’re pregnant, your baby should not be included in your household size. Unborn children cannot be claimed as dependents.

Do people with larger families get more financial aid?
In the past, larger families were likely to receive more college financial aid, but with the new changes, family size has less of an impact. However, once you have a child, you are classified as an independent student which can make you eligible for more financial aid.

What is an independent student vs a dependent student?
According to studentaid.gov, an independent student is at least one of these:

• A minimum of 24 years old
  
• Married
  
• A graduate or professional student
  
• A veteran
  
• A member of the armed forces
  
• An orphan
  
• A ward of the court
  
• Someone with legal dependents other than a spouse
  
• An emancipated minor
  
• Someone who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless
  

A dependent student is “A student who does not meet any of the criteria for an independent student.” The FAFSA will ask you a series of questions to determine your dependency status.

Can I change my family size once my baby is born?
You can change your family size when you fill out the FAFSA for the next school year, after the baby is born. If you would like to update your FAFSA sooner, contact your financial aid office and ask them if they will help you update your information. Once your baby arrives, you may be able to update your household size before the next school year by making an appointment with a financial aid counselor. Be prepared to share documentation of your child’s birth, such as a birth certificate or social security card, and to fill out paperwork. Some students find it more effective to make an appointment with the head of the financial aid office.

Should I wait to fill out the FAFSA until my baby is born?
If your baby is due after the classes begin, but before the FAFSA is due, you might wonder if you should wait to submit your FAFSA so you can claim your child as a dependent. Generally, students who submit the FAFSA earlier receive more financial aid because some aid is given on a first-come first-served basis. However, if claiming your child as a dependent would significantly change your eligibility for financial aid based on your personal situation, it may be worth it to wait. Make sure you speak with a financial aid advisor to determine the best course of action for your unique situation.

Do medical expenses impact my FAFSA?
Medical expenses can increase the amount of federal financial aid you receive, especially if the medical expenses are very high or not covered by insurance. These are considered “special circumstances,” and may qualify you for an adjustment to your federal aid. Reach out to your financial aid office for more information about what documents are required to file a special circumstance.

Should I update my FAFSA if I get married?
Married students are classified as independent, and may be eligible for more financial aid. However, if your spouse has a high income, that may reduce the amount of financial aid you receive. Generally, the FAFSA is meant to reflect your life situation at the time it’s initially submitted. However, if you think updating your marriage status on your FAFSA before the next school year would help you financially, reach out to your financial aid office to find out if you can update it before then.

What if I need to make other changes to my FAFSA application?
Some information can be updated online by logging into your account at studentaid.gov. If you have any difficulties, reach out to your financial aid office.

Where do I fill out the FAFSA?
Visit studentaid.gov to create an account and fill out the form online.

If you have any other questions about filling out the FAFSA, it’s best to speak with an advisor at your school's office. Your financial aid office will be able to provide the most updated information about properly filling out the FAFSA, as well as answer questions about your unique financial situation. If your federal financial aid is not enough to get you through the school year with a new baby on the way, please call or text our team at 720-386-6009 to learn more about the financial support we provide to pregnant students, which include ​​medical care, tuition assistance, financial assistance, housing, and more. We’re excited to help you chase your educational goals while raising your family.