FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

Sidebar

The FAFSA is an annual application used for students seeking federal, state and some institutional financial aid. The FAFSA should be filed each October 1 for the next year.

We will begin reviewing your FAFSA after it has been processed by the U.S. Department of Education and you are an applicant with the Admission's Office. Starting in November, our office will begin awarding first time freshmen and transfer students. Keep in mind that all communications from the UofL Office of Financial Aid come to your Louisville.edu email.

We encourage you to apply for financial aid as early as possible after the FAFSA is made available in order to allow adequate processing time for the upcoming fall term.

  • A good general overview of the federal student aid programs is available in the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov.
  • Start a folder of computer print-outs and mail you have received from schools or the U.S. Department of Education.

Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education, offers several YouTube videos about the FAFSA application process.

Special Notes

Fall & Spring

The priority date to have a completed file for fall is early July; however, due to limited funding for some programs, students are encouraged to apply and complete their financial aid file as soon as possible. A complete financial aid file includes an official processed FAFSA, all requested documents, and notice of any other financial aid resources which are not listed with the Student Financial Aid Office. If you have not been awarded financial aid or your anticipated financial aid does not cover any potential balance you have with the Bursar's Office, you will need to settle your charges prior to the due date established by the Bursar's Office. Methods for settling your account are available on the Bursar's Office website.

Spring Only

Prior to having federal aid eligibility evaluated, transfer or newly admitted spring-only students must have a completed financial aid file. Students must also:

  • Add UofL (school code 001999) to your FAFSA if you previously did not do so.
  • Be enrolled in classes at UofL.
  • Have canceled any potential pending financial aid at their prior institutions.

Summer

At the University of Louisville, summer is considered a trailer of the preceding academic year. For additional information on summer financial aid, please visit the Summer Financial Aid website.