FAFSA Guide

Step-by-Step Filing Guide

1. 1

   Create a StudentAid.gov Account

   Go to studentaid.gov and create an FSA ID using your Social Security Number and email address. Both the student AND one parent (if dependent) need separate FSA IDs. Save your username and password — you'll use them every year.

2. 2

   Gather Your Documents

   You'll need: your Social Security Number, driver's license, federal tax returns or IRS DRT access, W-2s, bank statements, records of untaxed income, and your FSA ID login. Dependent students also need their parent's tax information.

3. 3

   Complete the FAFSA

   Log in at studentaid.gov/fafsa. Select the correct aid year (e.g., 2026–27 for Fall 2026/Spring 2027). Enter UAS's school code 001065. Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) to import tax data automatically — this reduces errors and verification flags.

4. 4

   Submit & Track

   After submitting, you'll receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) within 3–5 days by email. Review it for errors. UAS will receive your FAFSA data electronically within 1–3 business days after submission.

5. 5

   Review Your Award Letter

   UAS will send an aid award notification to your @alaska.edu email once your file is complete and your FAFSA is processed. Log in to UAOnline to accept, reduce, or decline individual aid components.

Dependent vs. Independent Status

Most students under 24 are considered dependent and must include parental income on the FAFSA. You are independent if you are 24+, married, a veteran, a graduate student, legally emancipated, or have dependents of your own. Contact the Financial Aid Office if you believe you qualify for a dependency override based on unusual family circumstances.