FAFSA
Free Application for Federal Student Aid ​
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The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to apply for federal student aid and determine eligibility for access to other sources of funding such as scholarships and loans. It is the most important step towards financial assistance through college.
Pell Grant 2024 2025
The Federal Pell Grant is one of the most common types of grants, providing eligible students with up to $7,395 per year based on their FAFSA/SAI, enrollment status, and the number of years of eligibility (six years)
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2025-2026 FAFSA application will be open on December 1, 2025
What can be done now until December 1st? Start by creating the student and parent FSA ID now
FAQ about the FAFSA
FREE FAFSA assistance by appointment only at Kodiak College please call 907-486-1214
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When will I hear if I qualify for FAFSA Pell Grant or Student Loans?
UAA and Kodiak College students can expect to receive emails from the UAA Office of Financial Aid regarding their award offers for the 2024-2025 academic year, starting the first week of June. It's important for students to periodically monitor their email for updates from both the U.S. Department of Education and their respective universities about the status of their FAFSA applications. For specific inquiries or updates, students at Kodiak College can contact Nancy Castro in Financial Aid at 907-486-1214.
When will the 2025-2026 application be available?
The 2025–26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form will be available to the public on or before Dec. 1, 2024.
Between Oct. 1 and Dec. 1, the 2025–26 FAFSA form will be available to individuals selected to participate by invitation only.
Kodiak College and University of Alaska (UAA, UAF, UAS, and extended campuses) students should plan to file their FAFSA earlier than the state of Alaska priority deadline of February 15, 2025.
How to prepare for the 2025-2026 FAFSA form?
Prepare now so you can complete the 2025–26 FAFSA form as soon as it’s available on or before Dec. 1, 2024. Here are some ways you can get ready:
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Create a StudentAid.gov account (if you don’t already have one).
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Learn about the documents you may need to fill out the FAFSA form.
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Determine your dependency status and whether your parent(s) or spouse will be required to contribute information on your FAFSA form.
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If you’re a dependent student, use the Who’s My FAFSA Parent? wizard to identify which parent(s) will be a required contributor on your form.
How will this affect the Pell Grant?
Some students will be receiving the Pell grant automatically as part of the simplified FASFA process. Students in families making less than 175% and single parents making less than 225% of the "federal poverty level for Alaska" can be granted a maximum of $7,395 for 2023-2024.
The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is being replaced with the Student Aid Index (SAI).
Starting December 31, 2023, the EFC will be replaced with the SAI to determine eligibility, which has a range, going all the way down to -1500. The SAI calculates how much student aid the individual would receive if the student were to attend college.
The FAFSA is needed to qualify for many federal and non-federal grants.
Grants are sources of funding that don't need to be paid back. Essentially free money. This includes the Pell Grant, as well as many local, state, and national grants as well. The first step for almost all of them is to complete the FAFSA.
How long does it take to fill out the FAFSA?
It takes less than an hour for the average individual to complete the FAFSA application.
How much does filling out the application cost?
It's FREE, all it needs is a bit of your time and documents.
Attend the FREE FAFSA Workshops for students and parents.
How often should you file the FAFSA?
Each year students are required to complete a new FAFSA application for the following academic year to remain eligible for almost all forms of financial aid. This includes grants, scholarships, and loans.
Can I fill out the FAFSA on my mobile devices?
The Department of Education has made a mobile version of the FAFSA website.
When should I fill out the FAFSA?
As early as possible to get the best chance at receiving more financial aid. The 2025-2026 FAFSA application is available on December 1, 2024.
WHY should I fill out the FAFSA?
Many scholarships and other funding depend on completing the FAFSA whether you qualify for the FAFSA Pell Grant or not. Don't miss submitting your FAFSA and any possible opportunity for other financial aid. Video here
FAFSA 2024-2025 Parent Guide to Federal Financial Aid.
This webinar is geared toward students, and parents, and will provide guidance and resources for parents to help understand the financial aid process and the Direct Parent PLUS loan program. Video here
How to Compare Financial Aid Offers and Schools.
This webinar is geared toward students, parents, and will help participants understand how to evaluate a school's financial aid offer and compare the cost and value of higher education institutions in the United States. Video here
Issues with the FAFSA and can't save or let you sign and submit?
If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to your school’s financial aid office for help. Attend the FREE FAFSA Workshops for students and parents.
Additionally, stakeholders should bookmark the 2024–25 FAFSA Issue Alerts page to stay updated on any issues related to the 2024-25 FAFSA form as we identify and resolve them. Remember, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to stress about issues beyond your control. Instead, keep monitoring the Issue Alerts, your emails, and your FAFSA application.
2024–25 FAFSA ISSUE ALERTS - be alert of the issues with the new 2024-2025 FAFSA application and see solutions. Attend the FREE FAFSA Workshops for students and parents with personal assistance on the application.
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FAFSA Application (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
FSA ID (Federal Student Aid ID)
Federal Student Aid Videos
Federal Student Aid Facebook Page
Federal Student Aid Home
Ultimate FAFSA Guide for 2024-2025
FinAid.org
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UAA Appling for UA Scholarships
UAA Financial Aid Workshops Calendar
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For additional assistance, be sure to check out our FREE Scholarship + FASFA Workshop Sessions.