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    • Financial Aid

    The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

    Any student, regardless of income, should complete the FAFSA to be considered for the widest range of aid. The 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is open! Use UT’s federal school code (003530) when filing your FAFSA. 

    • Current Students & Transfers: File your FAFSA by UT’s Priority Filing Date— March 2, 2026— to be considered for the maximum amount of financial aid. If you are currently receiving aid based on the FAFSA, you must meet this deadline to avoid losing your funding.  
    • First-Year Students Applying for Fall 2026 Admission: File your FAFSA by UT’s Early Action Filing Date— December 1, 2025— to receive an early estimated financial aid offer that can help you plan and make your college decision.
    File Your FAFSA
    FAFSA Help Center

    Before Filing the FAFSA 

    Preparing before you file will make completing the FAFSA faster and easier. You and your contributors (parent, guardian, or spouse) should create your StudentAid.gov accounts and gather your documents ahead of time. For full details, visit Federal Student Aid’s website. 

    Create a StudentAid.gov Account 

    If you have filed the FAFSA before, you should not create a new account. Every new filer and contributor— anyone required to provide information on your FAFSA— must create their own StudentAid.gov account before they can access and complete their section online.  

    The unique log in information you create for your StudentAid.gov account becomes your FSA ID. Your FSA ID also serves as an official signature when e-filing your FAFSA. 

    • Create your account at StudentAid.gov before starting the FAFSA. 
    • Enter your name and Social Security number exactly as they appear on your Social Security card.  
    • Parent and spouse contributors without an SSN can still create an account to complete their portion of the FAFSA.  

    Gather Needed Documents 

    Have these items ready before you file the FAFSA:  

    • FSA ID (username and password for StudentAid.gov) 
      • If you have filed the FAFSA before, you do not need to create a new FSA ID. Use the same FSA ID used previously. 
      • If this is your first time filing the FAFSA, you must create an FSA ID via StudentAid.gov. It takes 1-3 business days for the government to verify your identity, so don’t wait!  
    • Tax returns and records of child support received 
    • Current balances of cash, savings, and checking accounts 
    • Net worth of investments, businesses, and farms 
    • Guardian, parent, or spouse contributor’s email, name, date of birth, and, if available, Social Security number 
    • UT’s Federal School Code: 003530 

    How to File The FAFSA 

    Filing the FAFSA is the first step to receiving federal, state, and some institutional aid. Follow the steps below to complete your application, and visit Federal Student Aid’s website for detailed instructions, tips, and walkthroughs. 

    Start Your FAFSA Form 

    Go to FAFSA.gov and select Start New Form. Log in with your FSA ID and choose your role (Student or Parent) to begin.  

    Answer Dependency Questions 

    The FAFSA will determine whether you’re a dependent or independent student. Dependent students must include guardian information.  

    Add Guardian or Spouse Information 

    If required, include the guardian who provides the most financial support. Married students may also need to include spouse information. Use the FAFSA’s Parent Wizard for help. 

    Provide Financial and Tax Information 

    You and your contributors will be asked to consent to securely transfer tax data from the IRS. Without this consent, you won’t be eligible for federal aid. 

    List UT’s Federal School Code 

    Add UT’s Federal School Code (003530) and any other schools you’re considering. You can list up to 20 schools online.  

    Review, Sign, and Submit 

    Double-check your information. You and all required contributors must electronically sign and give consent before submission. 

    After You File the FAFSA 

    Be aware of a few post-submission steps to ensure your financial aid is processed correctly. Below are some of the key actions you may need to take. For more detailed guidance and instructions for making corrections to your FAFSA, check out Federal Student Aid’s website. 

    Confirmation Page 

    Once you submit your FAFSA, you’ll see a confirmation page with your estimated Student Aid Index (SAI) and Pell Grant eligibility. Save or print this page for your records.  

    Check Your Accounts 

    Check the email you used to create your FSA ID, your UT email, and your MyUTK for critical updates and information.  

    Financial Aid Verification 

    Some students are randomly selected by the US government to verify their FAFSA information. Don’t worry— this is a routine process, and our staff will guide you through it. 

    Financial Aid Verification

    Provide Financial and Tax Information 

    You and your contributors will be asked to consent to securely transfer tax data from the IRS. Without this consent, you won’t be eligible for federal aid. 

    List UT’s Federal School Code 

    Add UT’s Federal School Code (003530) and any other schools you’re considering. You can list up to 20 schools online.  

    Review, Sign, and Submit 

    Double-check your information. You and all required contributors must electronically sign and give consent before submission. 

    Transfer Students

    Are you planning to transfer to UT in the middle of the academic year? Review your next steps below:  

    1. Ask your current school to cancel your financial aid for the rest of the year. 
    2. List UT on your FAFSA application for the current academic year (school code: 003530). 
    3. In-state Students: Update your school information with the state on Tennessee’s website to retain the Tennessee Student Assistance Award, HOPE Scholarship, or other Tennessee Lottery funds.