Applying for Aid

A college education will be one of the most important investments a student and their family will make. Financial aid can help bridge the gap between the student's resources and the cost of education. We emphasize bridging the gap because the student and their family are primarily responsible for college expenses. The Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) makes every effort to assist students and their family in obtaining the financial aid funds needed to meet expenses if family resources are not adequate.

You must apply for financial aid each year by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Financial aid offered by OSFA is not automatically renewed. 

The 2024–25 FAFSA is now available. Financial Aid is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage you to complete your FAFSA as soon as possible to receive maximum consideration for financial aid. You may file your 2024–25 FAFSA through June 30, 2025.

  • Offers are made on a first-come, first-served basis. Although you can apply for financial aid throughout the year, funding for some financial aid programs may be depleted. You may meet the qualifications for certain types of aid, but not be offered that aid because the funding has run out.
  • Students/Parents will provide 2022 income information on the 2024-2025 FAFSA.

After you are admitted to the University of Iowa and submit the FAFSA, your financial aid eligibility is determined. Financial aid offers will be sent in April 2024.

View our Step-by-Step Process web page for information on required forms and detailed instructions on applying for financial aid at The University of Iowa.

You must be admitted to a degree program at The University of Iowa before your financial aid application will be reviewed. You can submit the FAFSA before you are admitted to the University; however, you will not be offered until after you are admitted.

Incarcerated students are not eligible for financial aid. They are identified during the University of Iowa review process and are coded as not eligible for financial aid.

For tips on applying for financial aid, refer to our Helpful Hints web page.

Frequently Asked Questions

For financial aid purposes, the summer session is considered the final term of the academic year. To apply for summer financial aid, you must have the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and a separate summer application on file in the Office of Student Financial Aid. The ...

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Financial aid offers will be available in April 2024 for the upcoming academic year.  You can view your application status and financial aid offer on MyUI...