Complete the FAFSA

The FAFSA collects basic information about you and your family’s finances to determine your eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid.

• It’s free to complete.
• Available online at studentaid.gov

• Create a studentaid.gov account. You’ll need this to access and sign your FAFSA. Create yours at studentaid.gov.
• Gather Your Information. This may include:
  • Social Security Numbers
  • Tax returns and W-2s
  • Records of child support received
  • Current balance of cash, savings and checking accounts
  • Net worth of investments, businesses, or farms
• Visit the reporting parent information page on the federal student aid website to find out who counts as your parent, what to do if you don’t live with your parents, and what to do if you don’t have access to your parents’ financial information.
• Use the The IRS Direct Data Exchange Tool. This tool can automatically transfer your tax info into the FAFSA saving you time and reducing the chance for errors.
• List UB on Your FAFSA. You can list up to 20 schools. Be sure to include SUNY at Buffalo – 002837.

• The FAFSA is available beginning on October 1 of the calendar year prior to the start of the academic year in which you are seeking aid.
• You will use tax information from income earned two years earlier.
• Example Timeline: 
  • Fall 2026 Enrollment at UB 
  • FAFSA opens October 1, 2025 
  • File using 2024 Tax Information

• Maximize your aid. Some funds are limited and are disbursed first-come first-served.
• Get notified sooner about additional requirements.
• Avoid delays in aid disbursement.
• Peace of mind knowing your aid is in progress.

• You’ll receive a FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS) with your Student Aid Index (SAI)—used to determine your aid eligibility.
• Review your FSS for any errors or required actions.
• UB will notify you of additional steps via your HUB To-Do List.
• If needed, you can correct your FAFSA through studentaid.gov.