A college education is a significant investment. Applying for financial aid is a free and simple way to help bridge the gap between the cost of education and your financial resources. The University of Iowa strongly encourages all eligible students, regardless of financial circumstance, to complete the Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA), which can be done before being admitted or enrolling at the University of Iowa.
Submit the FAFSA
The FAFSA is used for all types of financial aid, including federal and state aid. Our school code is 001892.
The 2025–26 FAFSA will be available from December 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026. Use your 2023 income tax return.
The 2024–25 FAFSA will be available from December 30, 2023, to June 30, 2025. Use your 2022 income tax return.
It is in your best interest to file the FAFSA as soon as possible after it opens each year. Some financial aid programs have limited funding and deadline requirements. Although you can apply for financial aid throughout the year, funding for some programs may be depleted. For example, if you file the FAFSA after the University of Iowa's deadline for maximum aid consideration, you may meet the qualifications for certain types of aid, but not be offered that aid because the funding has run out.
Tips to Help Students in Unique Situations and PopulationsReview and Apply for Scholarships
At the University of Iowa, scholarships are available from many sources and are usually merit-based, recognizing outstanding academic achievement and other accomplishments. Some may require financial need determined by completing the FAFSA each year.
Complete additional requested documentation
The Office of Student Financial Aid may request additional information, so plan to check your University of Iowa email address regularly. Your University of Iowa email address will be the main way we and other offices at the University of Iowa will contact you about needed documents.
About 30% of students are selected for a process called verification which requires the school to collect documentation to confirm the accuracy of your FAFSA. You can also view any requested materials on your Financial Aid To Do List in MyUI.Review your Financial Aid Offer
Your financial aid offer lets you know what kind of financial aid you are eligible to receive. You will receive an email when your financial aid offer is ready to view in MyUI, typically in early April. If you are an incoming first-year or transfer undergraduate student, you will also receive one in the mail. Your parents/guardians will be able to view your financial aid offer if/when you make a guest account for them.
FAFSA Deadlines
The 2025–26 FAFSA filing deadline for maximum financial aid consideration is February 1, 2025. 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 2025-26 FAFSA through June 30, 2026.
Providing Parent Information on the FAFSA
Your dependency status determines whose information you must report when you fill out the FAFSA.
If you’re a dependent student, you will report your and your parents’ information.
If you’re an independent student, you will report your own information (and, if you’re married, your spouse’s).
Your answers to questions on the 2025–26 FAFSA determine whether you are considered a dependent or independent student.
Not living with parents or not being claimed by them on tax forms does not make you an independent student for purposes of applying for federal student aid.
If you have no contact with your parents and don’t know where they live, or you’ve left home due to an abusive situation, fill out the FAFSA and then immediately get in touch with our office to further discuss your situation and options available to you.