FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) should be completed each academic year. Financial Aid is awarded on first come, first complete basis. When filling out the FAFSA, make sure to have your tax information ready. FAFSA uses tax information from two years back.

You will be notified if your FAFSA application is selected for additional verification via email.

You are encouraged to file the FAFSA by UNL's May 15 priority date. (For 2024-2025 students eligible for the Nebraska Promise have a priority date of June 1)

If selected for verification, students are encouraged to submit all requested documents by the July 1st document deadline for priority consideration.

FILE YOUR FAFSA TODAY!

You will need the following information when completing your FAFSA:

  • Your Social Security Number or Alien Registration Number (if a non-U.S. citizen).
  • Federal income tax returns, W-2 or other tax records from two years prior.
    • Note: You may be able to utilize the IRS Data Retrieval Tool while filling out the FAFSA which input this information for you.
  • Bank statements or records of investments (if applicable).
  • Your Federal Student Aid Account to sign electronically.
  • If a dependent student, you will need all of the above information for your parent, guardian or stepparent.

Common FAFSA Mistakes

  • You should never pay to complete or submit your FAFSA
  • Use your legal name, not a nickname or preferred name. The name on your FAFSA must match what appears on your Social Security Card.
  • Use your permanent address, not a temporary campus or summer address.
  • Use the correct Social Security Numbers for you and your parents (if applicable). 
  • Use your and/or your parents’ marital status as of the day you submit your FAFSA. If one of your parents is widowed or divorced and has remarried, choose “Married or Remarried” and answer the questions about that parent and your stepparent.
  • Do not use commas or decimal points in number fields. Round to the nearest dollar.
  • You must provide consent for the IRS Direct Data Exchange to automatically input tax information on the FAFSA. If this is not available to you, do not estimate your income information. List income taxes paid, adjusted gross income and all other monetary amounts exactly as listed on your wage and tax documents.
  • Only select yes to being an emancipated minor if you underwent a legal process to be removed from your legal guardian’s care. Being 19 years of age, not living with your parents or lacking parental monetary support does not classify you as an emancipated minor for the sake of the FAFSA.
  • List the University of Nebraska – Lincoln and the federal school code 002565 as a receiving school prior to signing and submitting the FAFSA
  • Check to see if both you and your parent (if applicable) sign the FAFSA prior to submitting the application.
  • If making changes to your FAFSA, you must select “Sign and Submit” in order for any changes to be officially saved and sent to the listed university. FAFSA Checklist (Use IRS Retrieval)

Scholarship Application for Current Undergrad Students

The Scholarship application is available in your MyRed portal starting in November. The Deadline to complete and submit your application is February 1st.

Summer Aid Application

  • Step 1: Meet with your Academic Advisor
  • Step 2: Register for Summer Courses
  • Step 3: Submit your Summer Aid Application in your MyRed portal under the Financial Aid Tab.