Complete the FAFSA
The 2025-26 FAFSA form was launched on November 21, 2024.
- Go to FAFSA.gov and log in with your username and password.
- Make sure we get your FAFSA by adding our school code: 003896
- Determine if your parent(s) or spouse will need to be contributors (contribute their info on your FAFSA form).
- If your parent(s) or spouse will need to contribute to your form, make sure each contributor creates their own StudentAid.gov account.
- If your contributor (parent, spouse, etc) does not have a Social Security Number, follow these instructions to successfully submit your application.
- Be sure to sign and submit your application when you get to the end!
Learn More
- Review the FAFSA best practices at StudentAid.gov/FAFSAtips.
- Watch helpful video playlists to get prepared and successfully complete your application.
- Stay informed about FAFSA updates.
- Find more info from the Universities of Wisconsin FAFSA information.
Frequently Asked Questions
The acronym FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This is the first step to determining if you’re eligible for most state and federal financial aid.
At UWM, our school year begins with the fall term and ends with the summer term. That means if you wish to be considered for aid for Summer 2025, make sure you submit a 2024-25 FAFSA. If you plan to attend for Fall 2025, Winter 2026, Spring 2026, or Summer 2026 terms, you should be completing the 2025-26 FAFSA.
If you are submitting the 2025-26 FAFSA, you are required to use your 2023 tax information. All contributors must consent to the IRS Direct Data Exchange which connects your FAFSA to any IRS tax information available, including non-filing status. Some applicants may need to manually enter their tax information, but most will be able to skip over those questions. This also lets the Office of Financial Aid Administration know the information is the most accurate it can be.
Filing now means no mad dash in August to get everything completed before the Fall semester begins. You may have witnessed lines or experienced increased wait times at the beginning of the most recent semester. Avoid that by filing as early as possible!
UWM plans to begin notifying first year students of their financial aid offer mid February 2025. Current Panthers, we haven’t forgotten about you! Because your aid and class completion history require some additional processing, you will be notified a little later. As of November 2024, continuing students can plan to be notified beginning in June. If you’ll be starting at UWM in Fall 2024 keep an eye on your email for a notification of your aid eligibility.
Once you submit your FAFSA, be sure to monitor your PAWS to-do list! If you’ve been admitted, you have submitted your FAFSA, and there is nothing on your to-do list, all that’s left is to be patient! We will work to offer aid as quickly as possible.
The final date to submit a FAFSA is June 30 AFTER the academic year is over. However, you must still be enrolled in classes for financial aid to be offered. Please keep in mind that some financial aid programs run out of funding pretty quickly. Apply early to give yourself the best chance at receiving all types of aid.
Whether you’re a student, parent, or borrower, you’ll need to create your own account to apply for, receive, and manage your federal student aid.
What You Can Do With Your Account
You must have an account to do the following:
- Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form online
- Complete other online forms (such as the Federal Direct Loan Master Promissory Note) required to receive Direct Loans
- Review the federal student aid you’ve received
Here are some tips for making sure you set yours up correctly:
- Create at least 3 business days before completing the FAFSA or in advance here.
- Do not create an account for anyone else.
- Do not use the same email as anyone else when creating.
- Don’t use a high school or other e-mail that will expire. You’re going to use this for a long time!
- Keep a record of your account information to use throughout your academic career.