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Filling out the FAFSA is free!

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important  part of your higher education journey and it might even mean free money to cover your college costs.

Not sure how to get started? Contact a Financial Aid Office at a UW campus.

Three-Step Guide to Completing the FAFSA

Step 1: Create your FSA ID

Your FSA ID is a username and password combination that you will use to access your financial aid information.  Be sure to use the FSA ID cheat sheet to save your information. To learn more about how to create or recover your FSA ID, visit https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch

Step 2: Filling out the FAFSA (With Your Parent) 

Download the myStudentAid app or go to studentaid.gov to start the FAFSA. You will need your FSA ID to get started. Refer to the video, “How to Fill Out the FAFSA” below on what materials you should have ready when filling out the form.  

Step 3: Review your Student Aid Report (SAR)

After submitting your FAFSA, you’ll receive a personal SAR via email. The school(s) you list on your FAFSA will have access to your SAR data electronically within a day after it is processed. Refer to the video, “What Happens Next” below on what to expect.

FAFSA Tips

Tip #1: Do not leave any questions blank. Use 0 if the answer is zero.

Tip #2: If your parent does not have a Social Security Number (SSN) enter all zeros. DO NOT MAKE UP A NUMBER.

Tip #3: The name you list on the FAFSA must match the name on your Social Security card. This is especially important for students that have a suffix. 

Tip #4: Do not use your high school email for the FAFSA. Use a personal email address that you can access after graduation. 

Tip #5: Remember to sign the FAFSA. The signature page allows you to submit the form without a signature, but this will cause an error.

Tip #6: Take your time. Reach out to a Financial Aid Office at a UW campus if you have questions or need help completing the form.

Video Walk-Throughs

FAFSA Events

Get help completing your FAFSA by attending an in-person or virtual College Goal Wisconsin event. 

Register

Campus Contacts

Reach out to a UW Campus to learn more about your financial aid package. 

Contact