The leaves on campus are (slowly) starting to change color, 100 degree Las Vegas weather has started to drop, and it's time to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (aka, the FAFSA). Although it may seem like a confusing process at first, we've got you covered with seven of the most important things to know about the application.

You need to submit a new FAFSA before each academic year to get financial aid and scholarships. Completing the FAFSA is key to getting financial aid to pay for college, including work-study, federal grants, loans, and scholarships.

1. It Pays to File Early — Don’t procrastinate! The earlier you submit, the better, since some financial aid and scholarships are often given out on a first-come, first-served basis. 
2. Pay Attention to Deadlines — UNLV's priority deadline is Nov. 15, 2022, to receive priority consideration for financial aid and scholarships. You may still apply for financial aid and scholarships after the deadline; however, funding may be limited.
3. You'll Need an FSA ID — If you haven't already, create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID by setting up a username and password. Your FSA ID will be used as your login and electronic signature for submitting the FAFSA. If you're a dependent, one of your parents must also create a separate FSA ID.
4. Have These Items Handy — Make sure to have your Social Security Number (SSN), driver's license number, 2021 tax records, records of untaxed income, and records of your assets. You won't be able to complete your application without them! Make sure your SSN and name match on both your FAFSA and MyUNLV account.
5. Don't Assume You Won't Get Financial Aid — You may think you or your parents earn too much to qualify for financial aid, but you might be surprised. The FAFSA is used to determine your eligibility for various things, from federal grants and loans to work-study programs and scholarships. It's worth your while (and it’s free!) to apply.
6. Who is Eligible — The requirements you need to be eligible for a financial aid package include: You must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, and enrolled in an eligible degree or certification program at your college.
   1. Not eligible for the FAFSA? Don't worry — we have other options to help you pay for college too. 
7. Double Check for Accuracy — After filing your FAFSA, you'll receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) in your personal email listing all the information you provided in the online application. Take some extra time to review this carefully and make any necessary corrections to your FAFSA. 

Peter, assistant director of operations for financial aid & scholarships, is breaking down misconceptions about filing the FAFSA in this video series on UNLV Admissions Instagram. (Check back for the next videos in the series.) 

Get Started on your FAFSA Today

Complete your FAFSA using UNLV's school code 002569 and sign in using your FSA ID.