FAFSA Guide for UF Students and Parents

Parents of University of Florida students often wonder how to make college more affordable and navigate the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This comprehensive guide will walk you through the FAFSA process — what it is, how to apply, step-by-step instructions for first-time filers, and key UF-specific deadlines. We’ll also cover the different types of financial aid (grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study) and explain how to interpret your student’s UF financial aid offer. Along the way, we’ll point you to trusted UF resources and FAQs, and share tips on staying proactive while supporting your student’s independence.

FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It is the most vital step in applying for financial aid for college – a single form that determines your student’s eligibility for federal grants, work-study, and student loans, as well as many state and UF institutional aid programs. For any University of Florida undergraduate, applying for financial aid begins with the FAFSA.

Even if you think your family may not qualify for need-based aid, submitting the FAFSA is important. It’s required for federal student loans and Parent PLUS loans, which are available regardless of need, and many scholarships or other programs still require a FAFSA on file. Submitting it does not obligate your student to take loans or accept any specific aid, so there’s no downside.

The FAFSA asks for family financial information to calculate a Student Aid Index (SAI), which UF uses to determine financial need by subtracting it from the total cost of attendance. Students with greater financial need may receive more need-based aid, but virtually all students qualify for some form of aid by completing the FAFSA.

Remember: FAFSA is an annual process. You and your student must apply each year. The form typically opens in the fall (October or December depending on updates), and completing it early is critical to maximize aid opportunities.

• Create FSA IDs for Student and Parent – Both student and one parent (for dependents) need an FSA ID to log in and sign electronically.
• Gather Documents – You’ll need Social Security numbers, tax returns, W-2s, records of income, bank statements, and UF’s school code 001535.
• Start the FAFSA Application – Log in at FAFSA.gov or Studentaid.gov, select the correct academic year, and begin the form.
• List UF as a School Choice – Enter code 001535 so UF receives your student’s FAFSA.
• Provide Parent Information – Parents enter income and asset info, then both student and parent sign with their FSA IDs.
• Submit – Be sure you complete until the confirmation page.
• Check Status and SAR – Within a few days, your student will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) summarizing the FAFSA and showing the SAI. Review for accuracy.
• Respond to Requests Promptly – If UF or the Department of Education asks for verification documents, submit them quickly through the ONE.UF portal.

The process typically takes about an hour. Keep copies of your confirmation and make note of deadlines.

• FAFSA Availability – The FAFSA usually opens October 1, though recent years have seen December release dates due to system changes.
• UF Priority Deadline – December 1. To get the best aid package, UF strongly encourages students to submit the FAFSA by this date.
• Federal Deadline – FAFSA closes June 30 at the end of the academic year.
• Aid Offer Timeline – Incoming freshmen who file early and are admitted typically see their Financial Aid Offer in March. Continuing students see updated offers in early summer (around June).
• UF also hosts events like the FAFSA Extravaganza each spring to help families file and answer questions.

Free money that does not need to be repaid. Examples include the Pell Grant and Florida Student Assistance Grant.

Also free money, often based on merit, talent, or other criteria. UF awards scholarships like Bright Futures and the Machen Florida Opportunity Scholarship.

Borrowed funds that must be repaid with interest. UF students are often offered Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans. Parents may also apply for Parent PLUS loans if needed.

Part-time jobs on or near campus for students with financial need. Funds are earned through paychecks, not automatically applied to tuition.

Your student’s aid offer will appear in their ONE.UF portal once processed. It includes:

• Gift Aid – Grants and scholarships that reduce costs with no repayment.
• Loans – Amounts your student can borrow. They must accept or decline these online.
• Work-Study – The maximum amount a student can earn through a part-time job.

Read carefully: some awards require the student to take action (like accepting loans or finding a work-study job). Others are automatically applied. Encourage your student to review the terms and conditions, maintain GPA and enrollment requirements, and communicate with UF if your family experiences financial changes.

• Student Financial Aid & Scholarships (SFA) – The official UF office with details on aid types, applications, and FAQs.
• OneStop Enrollment Services – Located in Criser Hall and available by phone, virtual lobby, or in person to help with financial aid, registration, and billing questions.
• ONE.UF Student Portal – Where your student views offers, accepts awards, and checks To-Do items.
• Net Price Calculator – Provides estimates of what UF may cost after aid.
• State & Federal Resources – Florida Bright Futures, Florida Prepaid, and federal aid programs all tie into UF’s system.

• Stay Organized – Mark FAFSA and UF deadlines on a family calendar.
• Let Students Lead – Encourage them to complete forms and monitor ONE.UF themselves, with your support.
• Understand Privacy – FERPA means UF communicates directly with your student; you’ll need their involvement in calls or meetings.
• Teach Financial Literacy – Discuss budgeting, responsible borrowing, and loan repayment.
• Communicate Often – Gentle check-ins can keep your student on track without micromanaging.
• Plan Ahead – Talk through how tuition bills and refunds will be handled.
• Seek Help Early – Contact OneStop or the financial aid office if anything seems unclear.

Completing the FAFSA may feel intimidating at first, but it’s the gateway to grants, scholarships, loans, and work opportunities that make a UF education affordable. By applying early, staying organized, and using UF’s resources, you’ll help your student secure the best financial aid possible. Encourage them to take the lead while you provide guidance. Together, you can navigate this process smoothly — ensuring your student focuses on thriving at the University of Florida.