Thinking about joining the Volunteer family? Filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is one of the most important steps you can take— whether you’re just applying to UT or exploring all your options.
The 2026-27 FAFSA is officially open, and we encourage every future Volunteer— regardless of income— to file. Filing the FAFSA not only gives you access to need-based aid like grants and work-study, but it’s also how we help determine scholarship eligibility, verify your identity, and calculate your official tuition and fees.
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 2026-27 FAFSA is used to determine aid eligibility for fall 2026, spring 2027, and summer 2027 terms.
By filing the FAFSA, you can be considered for:
- Federal and state grants (money you won’t have to repay)
- UT scholarships and institutional aid
- Federal student loans
- Federal Work-Study opportunities
When you file your FAFSA and apply for admission by the required deadlines, you’re automatically considered for many UT scholarships. Filing your FAFSA early ensures you are considered for the widest range of aid you are eligible for, which can help you make informed decisions about college costs.
Even if you don’t think you’ll qualify for need-based aid, submitting your FAFSA ensures we have the most accurate information to make your transition to Rocky Top successful.
FAFSA Filing Dates
- Early Action First-Year Applicants: File your FAFSA by December 1, 2025 (Early Action Filing Date) to receive your estimated financial aid package in January 2026.
- Regular Decision First-Year & Transfer Applicants: File your FAFSA by March 2, 2026 (Priority Filing Date) to be considered for the widest range of aid you qualify for.
Your Next Steps
Filing the FAFSA is the key to unlocking scholarships, grants, and more. Submitting early and accurately ensures UT can build the best financial aid offer you are eligible for and provides the information you need to plan for college costs. For step-by-step instructions and additional guidance, visit UT’s FAFSA webpage or the FAFSA Help Center.
Before You File
A little preparation can make filing the FAFSA faster and easier. Before you get started, ensure you and your contributors (parent, guardian, or spouse) create StudentAid.gov accounts (FSA IDs) and gather the following:
- Your Social Security Number
- 2024 tax returns and financial records
- Current balance for checking, savings, and investments
- Contributors’ contact information
- UT’s Federal School Code: 0033530
How to File
Once you’ve gathered your information and created your FSA ID, you’re ready to file the FAFSA.
- Go to FAFSA.gov and click “Start New Form”
- Sign in with your FSA ID and follow prompts to complete the form
- Review, sign, and submit the FAFSA using UT’s Federal School Code (003530)
You and your contributors will be asked to consent to securely transfer tax data from the IRS. Without this consent, you won’t be eligible for federal aid.
After Filing
After you submit your FAFSA, you’ll see a confirmation page with your estimated Student Aid Index (SAI) and Pell Grant eligibility. Save or print this page for your records. Remember to regularly check the email you used to create your FSA ID and Go Vols Portal for critical admission and financial aid updates.