What is the FAFSA?
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the form you’ll use to apply for college financial aid from the federal government. Many states and schools (including Oregon and the UO) also use FAFSA information to award financial aid.
The University of Oregon’s FAFSA School Code is 003223.
Important Information
- The FAFSA opens on October 1. To be considered for the maximum available financial aid, submit it by the March 1 priority deadline. June 30 is the final deadline for financial aid consideration for the fall term in the same calendar year.
- The FAFSA helps determine how much aid you may qualify for, including scholarships, grants, work-study, and federal student loans.
- It is free to submit the FAFSA, and you should never be charged a fee.
- For most people, the FAFSA takes less than 15 minutes to complete.
- Once your FAFSA is processed, you’ll receive a Student Aid Index number, which is used to determine your eligibility for need-based financial aid.
- You’ll submit the FAFSA every year at StudentAid.gov to be considered for financial aid for the following year.
- Wondering how much federal aid you might receive? Use the Federal Student Aid Estimator. Note that this is not the FAFSA form.
Read on for our step-by-step instructions, or, if you’re already familiar with the process, submit the FAFSA.
Deadlines
Maximize your financial aid by completing the FAFSA by the March 1 priority deadline to qualify for the most aid options that may be available. You may submit the FAFSA until June 30, the regular deadline, for entry terms starting that fall.
You will complete the FAFSA only once per year to support your financial needs for fall onwards.
Federal
Submit the FAFSA by the priority deadline of March 1. The regular deadline is June 30. Submit corrections or updates by 11:59 p.m. CT on September 12.
State
In Oregon, apply as soon as possible once the FAFSA form is available, usually in October. State awards are offered until funds are depleted. Submit your FAFSA by March 1 to be eligible for Oregon Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC) Private Scholarships.
University of Oregon
Apply for admission to the UO by January 15 to be automatically awarded scholarships for which you are eligible. All supporting documents must be provided electronically or postmarked by February 15. Some scholarships may require a separate application.
Apply for your FAFSA concurrently by the March 1 deadline for priority consideration. Your UO financial aid letter will be released in late spring and will factor in your scholarships and other financial aid.
How to Complete the FAFSA
Follow these steps to fill out the FAFSA. Completing the FAFSA often takes less than 15 minutes. Questions? Visit the Need Help? section below.
To apply for federal financial aid, you’ll need to be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen. Not sure? Check the eligibility requirements.
Determine Your Dependency Status
If you live with or receive support from a parent, you’re likely a dependent student. Your parent or parents will need to fill out part of your FAFSA as a contributor.
Create a StudentAid.gov Account
Each contributor on your FAFSA form—for example, you and your parent or parents—needs an individual account. It should take less than a minute to create one.
These may include Social Security numbers for you and your contributors, tax returns, child support records, bank balances, and net worth information.
Apply online or by mail. Add the UO School Code: 003223. Fill out the student section before inviting contributors, who must consent to an IRS tax information transfer.
Confirm Your FAFSA Is Complete
View your FAFSA status in your FSA account and address any missing information. When complete, you’ll see your estimated Student Aid Index and next steps.
I Submitted the FAFSA—Now What?
FInd out what happens after you submit your completed form. Keep an eye out for any emails with additional instructions. As of June 2026, results may start to arrive immediately, rather than the standard one to three days.
After You Apply
Submitted your FAFSA? Here’s what comes next.
| Check the status of your application | Log in to your FSA account to check the status of your application. Online FAFSA forms are processed in 1-3 days. Paper forms take about 7-10 days after you’ve mailed your forms. If your FAFSA status says “Action Required,” follow the instructions to have your form processed. How to check your FAFSA Status |
| Review your FAFSA Submission Summary | Once your form is processed, you’ll receive a FAFSA Submission Summary detailing your FAFSA answers, official Student Aid Index number, and federal student aid estimate. Correct any errors and follow the next steps promptly. How to review your summary How to correct any errors in your FAFSA |
| Watch for your UO Financial Aid Offer | For Fall Term starts, UO will release financial aid packages to admitted students at the end of March. Check your email for any next steps from the FSA or the UO. What to know about your UO financial aid offer |
| Review your offer | Follow the steps on our Financial Aid Checklist and get ready to take flight as a Duck. Questions? Find answers. Complete the Financial Aid Checklist |
I received my FAFSA Submission Summary. What’s next?
Your Submission Summary will include four tabs of information. This video walks you through the document and highlights where to find the most important details.
FAFSA Questions?
Find answers to common FAFSA questions and connect with federal and UO financial aid resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do students and contributors need to provide consent and approval on the FAFSA?
Students and required contributors must provide consent for a student to receive federal student aid. Providing consent and approval on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) allows your federal tax information—and your contributors’ tax information—to be securely transferred from the IRS into your FAFSA application. This information is used to determine your eligibility for financial aid. Providing consent, however, does not mean a parent or contributor is responsible for paying for college.
How do I invite a contributor to my FAFSA form?
If your FAFSA requires a contributor, you’ll be prompted to invite them during the application process. Enter their email address and select “Send Invite.” Your contributor will receive an email with instructions to access your FAFSA, complete their section, provide consent and approval, and sign the form.
Why do contributors need their own StudentAid.gov accounts?
Each person completing part of the FAFSA must use their own StudentAid.gov account because the account is tied to verified personal information and cannot be shared. Students and contributors use their accounts to access the form, provide consent to transfer tax information from the IRS, and sign the FAFSA. You won’t be eligible for federal student aid if your contributors don’t complete these steps.
Need Help?
Check out our Frequently Asked Questions and the Help section of the Federal Student Aid site.