Why should I fill out a FAFSA?
Completing the https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsahttps://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsahttps://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsaFAFSA is the first step toward getting financial aid for college or graduate school. The FAFSA gives you access to the $150 billion in grants, loans, and work-study funds that the federal government has available. That’s why it’s important that every college-bound student complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1. You’ll never know what funds you can get unless you apply.
When do I need to submit my FAFSA?
You can file a 2022-23 https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsahttps://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsahttps://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsaFAFSA as early as October 1, 2021. To receive the best financial aid offer, complete the 2022-23 FAFSA as early as possible. In order for UF Student Financial Aid and Scholarships to consider you for a financial aid package, you must be a degree-seeking, admitted student.
What if I haven’t submitted my admission application yet?
Although you must be accepted for enrollment at UF before you are considered for financial aid, you should apply for financial aid before being admitted. Apply as soon as possible starting October 1, 2021 for the 2022-23 FAFSA.
What do I need to do first?
You must have an FSA ID before you can file an online FAFSA. Create an FSA ID at https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id. Follow the instructions on the site. An FSA ID gives you access to Federal Student Aid’s online systems and can serve as your legal signature. Parents of dependent students must request their own FSA ID to sign the FAFSA.
What documents do I need to gather to apply?
Social Security numbers, your driver’s license (if you have one), your most recent federal income tax returns, W-2s, and other records of money earned. You will also need current bank statements, records of investments and records of untaxed income (if applicable). If you are a dependent student, you will also need most of the above information for your parent(s). If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need your Alien Registration Number.
Where do I apply?
Filing an online FAFSA is the fastest and easiest way to apply for aid. Go to FAFSA on the Web at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsahttps://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsahttps://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsastudentaid.gov. Tips throughout the application help you understand the questions. The online FAFSA will guide you through the application; click on the “Start A New FAFSA” button on the home page, and follow the directions on the screen.
How long does it take to fill out the FAFSA?
Most people finish filling out the FAFSA in less than 30 minutes.
By filing a FAFSA close to October 1, high school seniors should know earlier about their expected family contributions, which should be useful as they compare schools and evaluate costs. Current and prospective college students who overlook the October FAFSA kickoff and procrastinate too long, risk losing out on aid.
Does applying for financial aid with the FAFSA cost money?
No, filing is free. It is the FREE Application for Federal Student Aid. Don’t pay for a service that helps you fill out the FAFSA.
I think my family’s income might be too high to receive aid. Should I still apply?
Everyone should apply – there is no income cap. Most students are eligible for some form of financial aid.
I filled out the FAFSA last year. Do I have to do it again?
Yes, you have to resubmit the FAFSA with updated financial information each year. Financial aid is not renewed automatically.
How can I be sure that my FAFSA gets sent to UF?
List “University of Florida” and the UF Federal School Code (001535) as a school choice in the “School Selection” section.
How can I get the most aid?
To receive the best financial aid offer, complete the 2021-22 FAFSA as early as possible. In order for UF Student Financial Aid and Scholarships to consider you for a financial aid package, you must be a degree-seeking, admitted student.
How can I estimate how much money I could get?
You can use the https://collegescorecard.ed.govCollege Scorecard, the https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa/estimateFAFSA 4caster, or the https://npc.collegeboard.org/student/app/uflNet Price Calculator to get an estimate of how much financial aid you might receive.
When do I find out how much financial aid I will receive?
By March 2022, admitted freshmen who have filed the 2022-23 FAFSA will receive an official award notice online at https://one.uf.eduhttps://one.uf.eduhttps://one.uf.edu. In order for UF Student Financial Aid and Scholarships to consider you for a financial aid package, you must be a degree-seeking admitted student. The Notification of Financial Aid Offer states the terms and conditions of aid programs awarded to you. Read it carefully, and follow any instructions that pertain to you. For current UF students, an official award notice will be available at https://one.uf.eduhttps://one.uf.eduONE.UF by June 2022.
How is my aid amount determined?
The financial information you and your family provide on your FAFSA is used to determine your expected family contribution or EFC — how much you and your family are expected to contribute toward your educational expenses. Once your EFC has been determined, the UF financial aid office will calculate your financial need. Financial need is the cost of attendance minus your EFC.
What types of aid can I get?
When UF receives your application information from the federal processor and you have been admitted to UF, Student Financial Affair (SFA) will award you an aid package based on your eligibility. Students who complete a FAFSA and list UF as a “college of choice” are considered for all aid programs administered by SFA. One or more of the four types of aid (grants, scholarships, part-time employment, loans) are usually offered to eligible students to make up their financial aid package.
What year of income do I need to report on my FAFSA?
The 2022-23 FAFSA will use 2020 income and tax information for students and parents. Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool when possible to automatically import your tax information into your FAFSA.
I need help with the FAFSA. What should I do?
Students and families can get free assistance and answers to their FAFSA questions at www.fafsa.gov or 1-800-433-3243. FAFSA help sessions are also available at high schools and colleges throughout Florida. Visit UF Student Financial Aid and Scholarships’ http://www.sfa.ufl.eduwebsite and social media channels (https://www.facebook.com/UFSFAFacebook, https://twitter.com/UFSFATwitter, https://www.instagram.com/ufsfa/Instagram) to find out about help sessions and other events.
With the online FAFSA, how do I sign the form?
Students can sign the FAFSA electronically using their FSA ID. Parents of dependent students can also sign electronically, but must request their own FSA ID.
My parents are divorced. Do I list both of their incomes?
The parent you live with the most is the one you’ll report financial information about. If that parent is remarried, you must include his or her income, too. Click here for a helpful graphic.
Do I have to provide my parent’s information on my FAFSA?
The FAFSA distinguishes between students who are dependent and students who are independent. Parents of a dependent student are required to submit their financial and demographic information on the FAFSA. Parents of an independent student are not required to complete the FAFSA. Click here for a helpful graphic on determining your dependency status.
Is there an easier way to complete a FAFSA?
The easiest way to complete your FAFSA with accurate tax information is by using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) on the online application. In a few simple steps, most students and parents who filed a 2019 tax return can view and transfer their tax return information directly into their FAFSA. Click here for a helpful graphic on the DRT.
