How to Apply for Financial Aid

You must complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year to be considered for federal student aid and for most state and institutional aid. For maximum aid consideration, submit the FAFSA between January 1 and March 15. New to the process? Follow the steps below.

1. Get a Federal Student Aid PIN

   Before beginning the FAFSA, you should apply for a Federal Student Aid Personal Identification Number (PIN). The PIN will allow you to sign your FAFSA electronically and later to access your processed FAFSA online. If you are providing parent information on the FAFSA, one of your parents must also apply for a PIN and electronically sign your FAFSA.

2. Gather information required to apply for the FAFSA

   To fill out your FAFSA application you will need:
   

   • Your Social Security Number (and your parents' Social Security Number if you are required to provide parent information).
   • Your driver's license if you have one.
   • Your Alien Registration Number if you are not a U.S. citizen.
   • Federal tax returns and W2s for yourself, your spouse if you are married, and your parents if you are providing parent information. Use income records for the year prior to the academic year for which you are applying.
   • After completing your FAFSA, you (and your parent if applicable) must sign it with your federal PIN.

   Each year the U.S. Department of Education selects approximately 30% of all FAFSA filers for a process known as Verification to check accuracy of information submitted on the FAFSA. This process requires our office to request additional information from you before determining the amount of financial aid you may receive. Veterans who were in active military service may be asked for their DD214.

3. Awarding Aid

   If you file your FAFSA electronically, the federal processing center will e-mail a Student Aid Report (SAR) to you within three to five days. If you submit a paper application and do not include your email address, your SAR will be mailed to you within 10 to 14 days. The UW-Parkside Student Financial Aid Office will receive an electronic version of your information. If no additional information is required, your award notification will be posted on the SOLAR System web page within a few weeks. Our office will email instructions to you on how to view and accept your award.

Reminder:
Financial aid is relient upon completion of all eligibility and minimum credit requirements.

Explore the different Forms of Aid Available>>