Thinking about joining the Volunteer family? Filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important step toward understanding how you can pay for college, whether you’re applying to UT or exploring all your options.
The 2027–28 FAFSA is now open, and we encourage every future Volunteer, regardless of income, to file. The FAFSA can help you access need-based aid like grants and work-study, while also helping us determine scholarship eligibility, verify your identity, and calculate your official tuition and fees.
We’re here to help you navigate the process, understand what’s required, and complete the FAFSA with confidence.
What is the FAFSA?
The FAFSA is a free form used by the federal government, states, and colleges, including UT, to determine your eligibility for financial aid. The 2027-28 FAFSA covers aid for the fall 2027, spring 2028, and summer 2028 terms.
By filing the FAFSA, you can be considered for:
- Grants: funds you don’t have to pay back
- UT Scholarships and Institutional Aid: when you file your FAFSA and apply for admission by the required deadlines, you’re automatically considered for many UT scholarships
- Federal Work-Study: paid, on-campus employment opportunities
- Federal Student Loans: if you choose to borrow
Even if you don’t think your family will qualify for need-based aid, you are still strongly encouraged to file. Submitting your FAFSA ensures UT has the most accurate information to build your financial aid offer and support a smooth transition to Rocky Top.
When to file the FAFSA
Financial aid isn’t unlimited. Some funds, especially state grants, are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. The earlier you file, the more aid you are considered for.
Here are important deadlines to keep in mind:
- UT’s Early Action Filing Date: December 1, 2026 – File your FAFSA by UT’s Early Action Filing Date to receive an early estimated financial aid offer and start planning to help make a college decision. Filing early may also be beneficial for aid programs with limited funding.
- UT’s Priority Filing Date: March 2, 2027 – File your FAFSA by UT’s Priority Filing Date to be considered for all available financial aid you may be eligible for.
Before you file: What you’ll need
Gathering your materials in advance will make the process faster and reduce the chance of errors. Before you get started, you and your contributors, such as a parent, guardian, or spouse whose financial information is required on the form, will each need to create a separate FSA ID at StudentAid.gov.
Have the following ready before you begin:
For students:
- Social Security Number
- FSA ID (create yours at StudentAid.gov)
- 2025 federal tax return (or access to it)
For contributors:
- Contributor FSA ID, which is separate from the student’s
- 2025 federal tax return
- Contributors’ contact information
- Records of untaxed income, current bank balances, and investment information
UT’s Federal School Code: 003530 (You’ll need this to send your FAFSA results to UT.)
Each contributor must log in separately and consent to have their tax data transferred. Without that consent, you will not be eligible for federal aid.
How to file
Once you’ve gathered your information and created your FSA ID, you’re ready to file.
- Visit FAFSA.gov and select “Start New Form” for the 2027–28 FAFSA. Sign in with your FSA ID.
- Follow the prompts. When asked, consent to have your IRS tax data transferred automatically. Without consent, you will not be eligible for federal aid. Your contributor(s) will need to log in separately to do the same.
- Enter UT’s Federal School Code (003530) so your information is sent directly to us.
- Both you and your contributor(s) will sign electronically using your FSA IDs. Review your entries carefully before filing.
After filing, you’ll receive a confirmation page with your estimated Student Aid Index (SAI) and Pell Grant eligibility. Save or print this page for your records.
After filing
Here’s what to expect after filing your FAFSA:
- Check your email regularly using the address associated with your FSA ID
- Log into your Go Vols Portal to monitor your admission status and watch for financial aid updates
- Respond promptly if UT contacts you for additional documentation
If your family has experienced a significant change in income since 2025, contact One Stop Student Services after filing to receive help in exploring your options. If you need to correct any information after submission, updates can be made through StudentAid.gov; remember to re-submit and re-send your FAFSA to UT after any changes have been made.
UT will build your financial aid offer once you have applied for admission and filed your FAFSA. Completing both steps early gives you the clearest picture of what your investment in Rocky Top will look like.
Get an early estimate with our Net Price Calculator
Not sure what UT might cost your family? Our Net Price Calculator gives you a personalized estimate of tuition, fees, and potential aid before you ever receive an official offer. It only takes a few minutes and can help you and your family plan ahead with confidence.
We’re here to support you
Filing the FAFSA is one of the most important steps on your path to making the cost of a college degree more manageable. For step-by-step guidance, visit UT’s FAFSA webpage or the FAFSA Help Center for additional support.
Have questions specific to your situation? Contact One Stop, your go-to resource for everything financial aid, billing, and enrollment related.
- Hodges Library, Ground Floor, 1015 Volunteer Boulevard
- 865-974-1111
- Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.