Filing the 2018-2019 FAFSA

Students must apply for financial aid each year by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  The 2018-2019 FAFSA should be completed as soon as possible after October 1, 2017. 

Awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis. Although students can apply for financial aid throughout the year, funding for some programs may be depleted before a student is awarded. The student may meet the qualifications for certain types of aid, but not be awarded that aid because the funding has run out.

Complete the 2018-2019 FAFSA online at fafsa.gov.

  • You may want to print a FAFSA on the Web Worksheet. The FAFSA on the Web Worksheet allows you to read and complete the FAFSA questions prior to entering your information online.
  • A Federal School Code (also known as a Title IV Institution Code) is needed to complete the FAFSA. The University of Iowa Federal School Code is 001892.
  •  When completing the FAFSA, the UI OSFA recommends that you use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to transfer your tax information directly from the IRS onto your FAFSA.

You will need to use your FSA ID (a user name and password) when completing the FAFSA on the web.  The parent and student will each need their own FSA ID. The FSA ID serves as an identifier to let you access your personal information in various U.S. Department of Education systems. You can create an PDF icon FSA ID when you log into the fafsa.gov website or you can create an FSA ID on the Federal Student Aid website.

The Office of Student Financial Aid will receive the results from your on-line FAFSA one to two weeks after you submit it.

If you are unable to complete the FAFSA on the web, you can either

  • print a PDF version of the FAFSA (available at fafsa.gov)
  • download the myStudentAid app from the Google Play store or Apple App store
  • obtain a paper FAFSA by calling the Federal Student Aid Information Center toll-free at 1-800-433-3243

The Office of Student Financial Aid will receive the results from your PDF or paper FAFSA approximately three to four weeks after it is mailed to the federal processor. 

A Student Aid Tips website has been developed by the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) to help federal student aid applicants in unique situations [e.g. single parents, Temporary Assistance for Needy Family (TANF) recipients, wards of the court, foster youth, etc.] answer specific questions on the FAFSA.  NASFAA has also composed a list of  Tips & Common Mistakes To Avoid when filing the FAFSA.

If you have questions when completing the FAFSA, contact the Federal Student Aid office via phone, live chat, or email.  You may also contact Iowa College Access Network (ICAN) to set up an appointment for one-on-one assistance in completing your FAFSA.