Better FAFSA, Better Future
Better FAFSA, Better Future
FAFSA Launch for 2025-26
The 2025-26 FAFSA will open by December 1.
The UNCSA 2025-26 FAFSA Priority Filing Date is Mar. 1, 2025. Submitting the FAFSA between Dec. 1 and Feb. 28, 2025 will allow the most potential need-based aid. The FAFSA process should begin with the student.
Important Things to Know Before Completing the 2025-26 FAFSA:
Contributors - Any individual required to provide information on the FAFSA is now called a FAFSA “contributor”. In addition to the student, contributors can include the student’s spouse, a biological or adoptive parent and the parent’s spouse (step-parent).
- Remember, the FAFSA process should begin with the student.
- The student’s answers on the FAFSA form will determine if any “contributors” need
to be identified.
- To invite a contributor to their FAFSA form, the student will need to provide the name, date of birth, Social Security number, and email address of the contributor(s).
- For divorced or separated parents, the parent who provided the most financial support over the previous 12 months is required to contribute to the FAFSA. (If that parent is married now, their spouse will also be a contributor.)
- Contributors will then log in with their own FSA ID and complete their sections of the form with their personal and financial information.
- Every contributor must provide consent and approval for the student to be eligible for federal student aid. With consent and approval, federal tax information will be automatically transferred from the IRS to help complete the FAFSA® form.
Student Aid Index (SAI) - The Student Aid Index (SAI) will be calculated from the FAFSA to determine the student’s aid eligibility.
What Can Be Done Now to Prepare?
While waiting for the December launch of the FAFSA, you can create needed FSA IDs.
- First-time filers must create a FSA ID.
- An FSA ID is required to file a FAFSA, and both students and parents need one. If parents file their taxes separately, they both need an FSA ID. If they file taxes jointly, only one parent needs one FSA ID.
- New FSA IDs may take up to 3 days to be received, so plan ahead.
- If you already have an FSA ID, you will be able to continue using current FSA IDs with the new FAFSA.
You can use the Federal Student Aid Estimator to get an estimate of your Student Aid Index (SAI).
What’s next?
- The Department of Education is finalizing the 2025-26 FAFSA form.
- The Office of Student Financial Aid will provide updates as additional information becomes available.
- In the meantime, please contact us at finaid@uncsa.edu or 336-770-3297 if you have any questions.