FAFSA

Helpful Hints and Links  Apply Now - Official FAFSA website (www.fafsa.ed.gov)  Calculate Your Eligibility  Expected Family Contribution  Request Federal PIN

Students interested in federal or state financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Students whose FAFSAs are received by the U.S. Department of Education Federal Processor by midnight Central time (10:00 pm Moscow time) February 15 will receive priority consideration for need-based scholarships, college Work-Study and Perkins Loans. In addition, the FAFSA results will determine eligibility to receive Pell Grants and/or Direct Loans. 

To receive priority consideration for all aid, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be receive by the Education Federal Processor by February 15.

There are two ways to complete the FAFSA :

• Web: You can file your FAFSA on the web after January 1st of each calendar year.  Though the FAFSA may be filed at any time during the academic year, it must have been received by the federal processor by February 15, for priority consideration.  Qualifying students can still receive Pell grants and loans even if the FAFSA is submitted after the priority date.

• Paper: Paper FAFSA forms are available from the Student Financial Aid Services Office or from high school counselors.  The FAFSA form cannot be post marked prior to January 1.  Please contact us if you have questions about completing this form.

The web method is simpler and quicker than the paper method, but each will produce the same results.  The FAFSA website is www.fafsa.ed.gov (not fafsa.com).  The website for a federal PIN number is www.pin.ed.gov.  Individuals who have forgotten their pin number can request a duplicate PIN.  This duplicate number will be available within 3 days (usually less) if an e-mail address has been provided.  

Electronically filed applications will reduce errors that can delay financial aid award notifications.  In preparation for filing online, a downloadable pre-application worksheet is available to students and families.

Don't delay filing the FAFSA just because taxes have not been completed. Estimate income on the FAFSA, and then make corrections when the taxes are completed.

Continuing UI students interested only in merit-based scholarships will automatically be considered if enrolled at least 9 credits undergraduate, 6 credits graduate or 10 credits law in a UI degree-seeking program. If not currently enrolled in enough credits, but intending to enroll full-time in a future semester, contact Student Financial Aid Services.

Students or parents who have questions about the FAFSA may contact Student Financial Aid Services by phone at 208-885-6312, by e-mail or by visiting our office in the Student Union Building. 

FAFSA Helpful Hints and Links

1. Be sure your FAFSA has been received by the U.S. Department of Education's federal processor and that your Application for Admission to the university (complete with transcripts and test scores) has been received by the admissions office by the February 15 priority date. Students who show financial need and meet this deadline will be given priority consideration for need-based scholarships and federal aid.

2. If you or your parents have not yet completed your federal tax return, simply estimate the figures the FAFSA request in order to file by February 15. After you have filed your tax return, go to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/FOTWWebApp/complete014.jsp to make the corrections to your FAFSA.

3. You may download a Pre-Application Worksheet before beginning your FAFSA at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/fafsaws89c.pdf

4. The most common cause of delay in processing the FAFSA is missing signatures. The FAFSA must be signed by the student and a parent (if the student is determined to be dependent for financial aid purposes). Apply for a PIN to use as your electronic signature before beginning the FAFSA at www.pin.ed.gov. You will receive an email providing a link to your PIN within three hours.

5. The second most common delay is caused by errors in names, social security numbers, and dates of birth for students and/or parents. Submit your name exactly as it appears on your social security card and take care not to transpose numbers. If the information you provide does not exactly match the Social Security Administration's data, you will be required to submit copies of your birth certificate and social security card before your FAFSA can be processed.

6. Do not include decimals in the income information you provide. If your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is $5,055.63, enter $5056. Entering decimals will result in the federal processor basing your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) on an income of $505,563.00!

7. In the fall, you will have the opportunity to attend a Financial Aid Night hosted by your high school. A financial aid professional will be there to explain the FAFSA in detail and to answer questions. Check with your high school counselor or visit our website for the date and time of this event.