Paying for your education can feel overwhelming, but the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can help you plan with ease. This free form helps determine your eligibility for federal financial aid, including grants, loans and work-study opportunities.10
Whether you’re just graduating high school, changing careers or transitioning out of the military, completing the FAFSA can help you prepare for what’s next with confidence.
What is FAFSA?
FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It’s a free form created by the U.S. Department of Education that helps schools determine how much aid qualifying students are eligible to receive.
When you submit the FAFSA, the federal government evaluates your income, family size and dependency status to calculate your Student Aid Index (SAI).
Your SAI is a score that helps schools like Universal Technical Institute (UTI) determine your need for federal and institutional aid. The lower the score, the more likely you are to receive aid. Here’s how it works:
Your SAI is a number that schools use to measure your financial need. Generally, the lower your SAI, the more likely you are to qualify for need-based aid. Schools compare your SAI to their cost of attendance to determine your eligibility. Common types of aid include:
- Federal Pell Grants: Money you don’t have to repay.
- Federal student loans: Borrowed funds you pay back after school.
- Work-study programs: Part-time jobs that help you earn money for school.
UTI and other schools also use FAFSA data to connect students with state grants, institutional aid and scholarships they may be eligible for but might not otherwise know about.10
Why is FAFSA Important?
FAFSA is the first step in securing any financial aid you may be eligible for. Without it, you could miss out on thousands of dollars in support. Here’s why it matters:
- You may qualify for free money (grants) that you don’t have to pay back.
- It’s required for federal student loans and many scholarship programs.
- Many schools and states use FAFSA data to determine additional aid opportunities you may qualify for, like state grants, need-based scholarships or institutional programs that help reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Even if you think your income is too high, it’s worth filling out. The FAFSA can make you eligible for low-interest loans or other school-based aid. Plus, many scholarships require it to apply.
Step-by-Step: How To Fill Out the FAFSA Form
Step 1: Create your FSA ID
Before you start, create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID at studentaid.gov/fsa-id.
You’ll receive a username and password that grants you access to the U.S. Department of Education’s FSA tool, so you can log in securely, sign your FAFSA electronically and access your financial aid information whenever you need.
Step 2: Gather necessary documents and information
You’ll need:
- Your Social Security number (SSN) or Alien Registration number (if applicable)
- Your driver’s license or state ID
- Federal tax returns, W-2s or income information for the previous year
- Bank statements and any records of investments
- Your school codes (UTI’s codes can be found here)
If you’re classified as a dependent, your parent(s) or legal guardian(s) will also need to provide their information.
Step 3: Complete the FAFSA form online
Visit https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa to start your application. Enter your personal and financial details carefully and list every school you want to receive your FAFSA results, including UTI if you plan to apply.
You can save your progress with a save key or temporary password, allowing you or your guardian(s) to return and complete the form later.
Step 4: Review financial aid offers
After your FAFSA is processed, you’ll receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) to review for accuracy. It shows your SAI and summarizes the personal information you submitted.
Once your chosen schools receive your FAFSA, they’ll use it to create a financial aid offer, which outlines the types and amounts of aid you may receive if eligible.
At UTI, you can meet with a Financial Aid Advisor who can help explain your offers. Contact our Financial Aid team at 844-338-0032.
Step 5: Apply for scholarships and grants
FAFSA is just one part of funding your education. Increase your opportunities by applying for scholarships and grants you may qualify for. Many are based on need, career interest, merit or technical skills, so it’s worth applying for as many as possible!
Frequently Asked Questions About FAFSA
The FAFSA is a free form that helps determine your eligibility for federal, state and institutional financial aid. Without it, schools can’t assess how much aid you may qualify for.10
Anyone planning to attend college, trade school or some form of technical training should fill it out. This includes current high school students, adults returning to school, and military service members or veterans transitioning into a civilian career.
The FAFSA typically opens in the fall before the following academic year. To track the exact date, check studentaid.gov for updates or create an account and turn on email notifications.
Applying as soon as the application opens may increase your chances because some aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis!
You’ll need your social security number, a form of ID, federal tax returns, W-2s or income information from last year, bank statements and any investment records, and school codes for the institutions you’re interested in attending.
It depends on whether you’re considered a dependent or an independent student.
Most students under the age of 24 are considered dependent, which means you’ll need to include the financial information of your guardian(s) on your FAFSA.
You may be considered independent if you meet certain criteria, such as being married, a military veteran, having dependents of your own or being over 24 years old. Independent students don’t need to include parent information.
If you’re not sure which category you fall into, visit studentaid.gov/dependency for a full list of requirements.
You can make corrections after submitting your application. Simply log in to studentaid.gov and find the option to “Make a Correction.”
You might miss out on grants, loans and work-study opportunities you could be eligible for.10 Even if you’re unsure whether you’ll qualify, completing the FAFSA ensures you’re considered for all available aid.
The Save Key is a temporary password that lets you pause and return to your application later. The FSA ID is your secure login for the FAFSA and other federal aid systems.
Each campus has its own code. You can usually find it on your school’s website. View UTI’s FAFSA school codes here.
Get Help Filling Out Your FAFSA With UTI
Completing your FAFSA is one of the most important steps toward getting help with funding your education, and you don’t have to do it alone. UTI’s Financial Aid team is here to help you every step of the way, from gathering documents to understanding any aid you may qualify for. Have questions? Call 844-338-0032.
Looking for other ways to pay for trade school? Explore UTI’s scholarships and grants below.