FAFSA is the free federal application used to determine your eligibility for grants, work-study, and student loans for college or career school in the U.S. Eligible applicants can access information about eligibility, scholarships, work-study programs, and loans for college or career school through the online app.
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is filed each year by students to qualify for institutional and federal financial aid. The 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is open!
What is the FAFSA?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an online form. Current and prospective college students in the United States who wish to receive financial aid can apply online. Colleges and Universities may also use the FAFSA® data to award their own aid.
FAFSA deadlines
- For the school year 2025-26, the federal deadline to submit the FAFSA is June 30, 2026.
- For the school year 2026-27, the federal deadline to submit the FAFSA is June 30, 2027.
Many states use the FAFSA for their financial aid programs.
The information you need to file your FAFSA
- Social Security number
- Driver’s license number
- FSA ID – made up of a username and password
- Financial records — bank statements and investment information
- Tax returns
- UMKC FAFSA code — 002518
What will I need to start my FAFSA?
- Federal StudentAid.gov Account (FSA ID) for students and any contributors
- Tax returns of students and contributors for the 2025-26 FAFSA or 2024 tax returns of students and contributors for the 2026-27 FAFSA
- Social Security Numbers for Parents and Students
- Other Income Information
- State Issued Driver’s License
- Documentation demonstrating U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
Check your FAFSA application status
After you submit your application, check its status to make sure it has been processed. You can:
- Log in to your account at fafsa.gov, or
- Contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center
If you submit a paper FAFSA form, you can check its status 7–10 days after you mail it.
Applying for federal student aid
Filing the FAFSA is the first step to receiving federal, state, and some institutional aid. Go to FAFSA.gov and select Start New Form. Log in with your FSA ID and choose your role (Student or Parent) to begin.