The first thing you need to do to get financial aid is fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, which will determine your eligibility for loans, grants, work-study, and some scholarships. We will use your FAFSA to create a “financial aid notification” that details the types and amounts of financial aid you qualify for.
Get help paying for college
Please review the following information for the 2025–26 aid year.
The FAFSA will determine your eligibility for loans, grants, work-study, and some scholarships. File at the Federal Student Aid website using our school code 001817. For the best chance of receiving maximum financial aid, complete the FAFSA as soon as possible. The priority deadline is April 15 for Indiana residents. (If you don't meet that deadline, you should still file.)
We recommend that all contributors create their FSA ID as soon as possible at studentaid.gov. Contributors will use their FSA ID to access the FAFSA form, answer questions, provide consent, and sign the form electronically. Learn more about the FSA ID online.
If the parents of a dependent student are not married, the parent who provides the greater portion of the student’s financial support is used on the FAFSA even if the student lives with the other parent or the other parent has custody. Dependent students will complete their section of the FAFSA first, then indicate which parent(s) should be invited via email to complete their parts of the FAFSA.
- One parent (if single parent) or if parents are married and filed joint 2023 tax returns.
- Two parents (if parents married, filed separately in 2023).Each parent will need FSA IDs. This includes stepparents if the parent completing the FAFSA is married.
- For other parent situations not listed above, refer to the FAFSA for instructions.
- If you are married and filed separately in 2023, invite your spouse. They will need an FSA ID.
All students and parent(s) contributing to the FAFSA must provide consent on the 2025-26 FAFSA to have their 2023 tax information released from the IRS to the Department of Education. Consent to share tax information is now required from every person completing the FAFSA. If consent is not given or is withdrawn, the student is ineligible for financial aid. Students or parents who are non-tax filers must still provide consent and enter income data manually.
Students are considered for one of three types of Pell Grants: maximum, minimum, or a calculated Pell amount. Eligibility is based on dependency status, family size, parent’s marital status, income (AGI), a multiplier of the federal poverty level, and enrollment status. All students enrolled for at least one credit hour will now receive consideration for a Pell Grant.
The Indiana Commission for Higher Education state aid priority deadline is April 15; however, after April 15, they may award state aid on a first-come, first-served basis if funds remain. We encourage students and families to file their FAFSA even if they missed the April 15 deadline, as state aid may continue to be awarded as long as funds are available.
If you are having difficulty submitting the FAFSA by the April 15 priority deadline, document your attempts and any issues/concerns. As soon as you are able to file, you may submit a late FAFSA appeal via ScholarTrack. Students may contact their Outreach Coordinator for assistance with appeals.
What Is FAFSA? – Watch this video.
Who Is a Contributor on the FAFSA Form? – This video explains who is a contributor for the purposes of the FAFSA.
Why Do My Contributors and I Need Our Own StudentAid.gov Accounts for the FAFSA Form? – Watch this video.
Federal Student Aid Estimator – Provides an estimate of how much student aid the student may be eligible to receive.
Federal Student Aid – Official website for the U.S. Department of Education Office of Federal Student Aid.
FAFSA Simplification Act – Official website for the U.S. Department of Education Office of Federal Student Aid regarding the FAFSA changes made.
Contact Student Central for help filing your FAFSA. Schedule an appointment online or call (812) 941-2100 for help scheduling an appointment.
Navigating the FAFSA process can be challenging, and your concerns are important to us. Please know that our team is here to assist you in navigating how to answer specific questions and provide guidance on completing the FAFSA accurately. While we may not be able to address technical issues directly, we remain committed to supporting you throughout this process.
We recommend reaching out to FAFSA for assistance with technical issues related to FSA ID issues, technical errors, and other related concerns. Their knowledgeable team is equipped to provide guidance tailored to your situation. Reach out to FAFSA via their website.
We acknowledge that reaching FAFSA can be difficult due to long wait times and high call volumes. Considering this, we suggest contacting them as early as possible and preparing for a potentially extended wait period. If you find that the initial support you receive doesn't fully address your needs, we encourage you to politely request to speak with another representative who may offer a different perspective or explanation.
We're here to help in any way we can. As we process your financial aid information, please monitor your To Do List and your IU email for updates. If you have any further questions or require additional assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to Student Central.
Make a plan
The 2025–26 FAFSA is available now at the Federal Student Aid website. File as soon as possible.
School Code
001817
Apply for scholarships
Search "Scholarships" in your ONE.IU.edu account to apply for numerous Indiana University scholarships. The General Scholarship Application opens October 1 each year, with a priority deadline of March 10.