Navigating the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year can be a daunting task, but with the right guidance, it does not have to be. Here are five essential tips from our colleagues in the Financial Aid office to help you streamline the application process and maximize your financial aid:
Create a StudentAid.gov Account Now
All contributors need to create a StudentAid.gov account, which serves as your electronic signature and allows you and your student to access and submit the FAFSA online. It’s a good idea to create (or reconfirm) this login information early, even before the FAFSA opens each year, to avoid any delays.
Note: Contributors without an SSN can create a StudentAid.gov account to fill out their portion of your FAFSA form online.
Gather All Necessary Documents
Before you and your student begin filling out the FAFSA, make sure you have all the necessary documents on hand. This includes Social Security numbers, tax returns, bank statements, and any other financial information. The FAFSA uses “prior prior” year information, meaning it will use 2023 tax and income information for the 2025-26 FAFSA. Having everything ready will make the process more efficient.
Provide Consent for IRS Data Sharing (after the FAFSA opens)
Once the FAFSA opens on December 1, 2024, provide consent for direct data sharing between the IRS and the Department of Education. If consent and approval are not provided by the student and all contributors on the FAFSA, the student will not be eligible for federal student aid, including grants and loans.
File the 2025-2026 FAFSA by February 1, 2025
For maximum financial aid consideration, file the 2025-26 FAFSA by February 1, 2025. However, the FAFSA can still be submitted after this date.
Review the Financial Aid To Do List in MyUI
After filing the FAFSA, your student should review their Financial Aid To Do List in MyUI for any additional required documentation from the Office of Student Financial Aid. This will help to minimize delays in receiving their financial aid offer.
If you have any additional questions, feel free to visit the newly redesigned Financial Aid website for additional information.