FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is filled out during your senior year in high school and each year in college after that. This is how you apply for all federal and most state financial aid, including Pell Grants, work-study and federal student loans.
Important Dates
2027-28 FAFSA
- Covers fall 2027 through summer 2028
- Uses your 2025 tax return
- Priority Deadline: April 1
2026-27 FAFSA
- Covers fall 2026 through summer 2027
- Uses your 2024 tax return
- Priority Deadline: April 1
2025-26 FAFSA
- Covers fall 2025 through summer 2026
- Uses your 2023 tax return
- Priority Deadline: April 1
FAFSA Tips
We highly encourage you to complete the FAFSA right away to get money for school. The earlier you submit, the better. To ensure you have your financial aid packaged and ready to go for fall semester, make sure to meet the April 1 priority deadline.
We are packaging federal aid (e.g., Pell Grants, loans) in order of completion. As these are processed, you will receive more information about need-based scholarships associated with your scholarship application, and you will receive notification about your federal aid package. Keep an eye on your student email account for next-step actions.
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How to Create a FSA ID:
Get this going ASAP if you need oneThe FSA ID has been taking up to two weeks to process. We highly encourage you to create an FSA ID soon if you do not already have one. Everyone will need an FSA ID for completing the FAFSA, including those who do not have a social security number.
Please note that the person needing an FSA ID for a dependent is the person who contributes to the student 50% or more, not necessarily the guardian the student lives with.
What you need to create an FSA ID for both students and parents:
(Am I still a dependent that needs my parent's info?)- Name: Provide your full legal name, as it appears on your Social Security card.
- Date of Birth
- Social Security Number: Required for those with an SSN; not required for parents without one.
- Email: Must be a verified, non-school email (you'll need an email you will use throughout college).
- Mobile Phone: Optional but recommended for login, account recovery, and enhanced security.
- Authenticator App: Optional but recommended for login, account recovery, and enhanced security.
- Physical Address: Your current residential address.
FREE One-On-One FAFSA Help
Need help completing your FAFSA? Schedule an appointment with Financial Literacy for free one-on-one guidance (bring your parents if you need to) or watch for drop-in sessions happening all year long.
Financial Literacy through the Basic Needs Center
Why File FAFSA?
If you are planning on attending college, you should file the FAFSA regardless of family income or any other circumstances. Even if you do not qualify for one type of aid, you still need the FAFSA. It qualifies you for federal grants, loans, work study, and other financial aid awarded by colleges and some states.
FAFSA Myths & Facts-
You could receive FREE MONEY
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Filing your FAFSA should take less than 30 minutes
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There is no income cut-off to qualify for federal student aid
Important Information
Financial Aid Applied to Your Bill
- Financial aid is applied directly to your tuition bill. If there is any residual, you will receive a refund.
- Financial aid is typically disbursed to your tuition bill 10 days before the semester begins.
- If the funds do not disburse within 10 days, contact the Financial Aid office.
Refunds and Excess Aid
- Sign up for direct deposit through your eWeber portal to receive a refund to your bank account in 3-5 business days.
- If you do not sign up for direct deposit, a check will be cut and mailed to your home address that is on file with Weber State.
Changed Financial Situation
If your or your Parents' 2023 tax information in the FAFSA does not reflect their current financial situation, you may submit a Special Circumstances Appeal.
A financial aid administrator may be able to use 2024 income or estimated 2025 income instead to determine your eligibility. Students can get drop-in and one-on-one help from the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Complete 2026-2027 FAFSA
English Walk-through Video
High School Seniors: Best Practices
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Start filling out your FAFSA any time after Oct. 1 of your senior year.
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Start researching scholarship opportunities, both online and offline. Local scholarships tend to have less competition, so check your local papers and community bulletin boards.
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During your second semester, check the status of your FAFSA and apply for any private scholarships you've found.
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Get in touch with your college's financial aid office if you need any clarification or to negotiate a better financial aid package.
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Mark the deadline to pay your first tuition bill and make sure you have all your finances in order. You do not want to miss this deadline.