I recently lied on my FAFSA?

Question

when asked by the schools financial advisor if I was a U.S citizen I panicked and said yes (when I know for a fact I may just be a legal resident). I have a SSN but I never applied for citizenship. I was wondering if anyone knows what the consequences are for this. They recently told me that I was qualified for a grant and I wouldn't have to pay anything so I'm guessing it didn't catch up with them since no red flag came up. I was wonderingif somebody can tell me whats the worse that can happen. And please only tell me if you know...not a guess or what you THINK the outcome may be. PLEASE!! What should I do?

Answer 1

If you're a legal resident, you are probably fine.  I would go to the FAFSA website to submit your correction, or go to the financial aid office and explain.  You'll be fine, but you need to fix it asap.

Answer 2

The government does do a match with ICE. If you don't match, you will be asked about it.

The worst that could happen?

At the end of the FAFSA it says that if you knowingly provide false information you could be fined $20,000 and/or be sent to prison. They will usually only fine you if you receive financial aid under false information. I have only seen a handful of people get the maximum sentence and fine, so I would not worry too much about it.

Answer 3

Fafsa allows you to go back to your application and make correction(s) if you need to. I would recommend that you go back and adjust it. It might affect your future grants. As long as you are a legal resident and qualify for fafsa, you'll get the grant. You don't have to be a citizen.

Answer 4

Tell the truth, its better than getting in trouble later!