FAFSA Application Open
The University of Wisconsin has shared with schools throughout the state helpful information for families regarding FAFSA now that the application has opened. Please view the information below for assistance!
The 2025–26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is now available to submit at fafsa.gov. We encourage every eligible student to file the FAFSA® every year they are a student and as early as possible. Even if students believe that they will not qualify for federal financial aid, it's still important to submit one, as many scholarships and grants still require a FAFSA® for consideration.
The 2025–26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is now available to submit at fafsa.gov. We encourage every eligible student to file the FAFSA® every year they are a student and as early as possible. Even if students believe that they will not qualify for federal financial aid, it's still important to submit one, as many scholarships and grants still require a FAFSA® for consideration.
What to do to support your students:
Processing an FSA ID can take up to 5 business days, so we recommend creating it at least a week before starting the FAFSA®.
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- Encourage your students and their contributors to create their FSA IDs.
Processing an FSA ID can take up to 5 business days, so we recommend creating it at least a week before starting the FAFSA®.
- Once they have their FSA ID, help and encourage your students to complete and submit the FAFSA® as soon as they are able to ensure they receive their financial aid offer as soon as possible.
- Have your students and their supporters contact our office by phone (608-262-3060) or email (finaid@finaid.wisc.edu) if they need help completing the FAFSA®.
- Once your students submit their applications to UW–Madison and set up their NetIDs, encourage them to log in to the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH) to explore scholarship opportunities they may be eligible for.
- Familiarize yourself with this counselor and advisor-specific resource from the Department of Education to help guide your students and their families through the FAFSA Process:
- Share these great resources provided by Federal Student Aid (FSA) with your students:
- "Who's the Parent on the FAFSA® Form?" Wizard – A new, stand-alone tool to help students and families determine who will need to provide contributor information on the 2025–26 FAFSA® form prior to starting the application.
- "Creating Your StudentAid.gov Account" Page – A new resource that explains what families and partners need to know about creating a StudentAid.gov account.
- Pro Tips for Completing the FAFSA® Form – Updated tips for preparing to complete and submit the FAFSA® form. This resource will also be linked from the StudentAid.gov Dashboard to promote easier access for students and their required contributor(s).
- Federal Student Aid Estimator – The tool provides an estimate of the 2025–26 Student Aid Index and Federal Pell Grant eligibility calculation.
- Federal Student Aid YouTube Channel: FAFSA® Videos – Updated videos to help students and families understand the importance of the FAFSA® form, who is a FAFSA® contributor, and what happens after submitting the form.
- "Who's the Parent on the FAFSA® Form?" Wizard – A new, stand-alone tool to help students and families determine who will need to provide contributor information on the 2025–26 FAFSA® form prior to starting the application.
