Three reasons to complete a FAFSA form

Bradley Barnes, Ph.D.
Photography: Steve WoodStudents who are planning to attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham for the 2025-2026 academic year can now complete the federal student aid form. Bradley Barnes, Ph.D., vice provost for Enrollment Management, recommends students start and complete the form as soon as they can and says there are three reasons current Blazers, and incoming freshmen, should fill out their Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, form.

It could help pay for college

When students submit a FAFSA form, it provides them the opportunity to receive student loans and furthers opportunities for additional funding as well. 

“Completing a FAFSA form can unlock student eligibility for federal grants and work-study funds in addition to loans,” Barnes said. 

To complete the FAFSA, the most important documents students will need are their Social Security number, Alien Registration number if they are not a United States citizen, a record of federal income tax returns, and the W-2s of their parents and themselves. The application will ask for the record of other money sources such as veteran benefits, child support, food stamps and savings.

It determines eligibility for state and school aid

Completing the FAFSA will allow UAB to determine a student’s eligibility for scholarships.

“Even if a student and their parents do not plan on taking out student loans or Parent Plus loans, they should still complete their FAFSA because colleges also use this information to offer scholarships and grants,” Barnes said. 

It is important to verify that the FAFSA was received by UAB. Once it is submitted, the Financial Aid Office will receive and process each student’s FAFSA beginning in November or within three to five business days of the student’s completing the FAFSA and sending the information to UAB. Students may verify receipt of the FAFSA on the My Financial Aid tab of BlazerNET. Other helpful verification resources and information can be found on the FAFSA Verification page.

Submitting a FAFSA is free

The federal student aid form can be completed on studentaid.gov at no cost. Before filling out the application, create a FAFSA ID. If a student is considered a dependent, their parents will need a FAFSA ID as well.

“It does not cost a student any money to complete their FAFSA, and generally it takes less than an hour to complete,” Barnes said. “Funds are limited, so it is best to complete the form as soon as possible.”

All United States citizens or eligible noncitizens are able to complete the FAFSA form. The deadline for the 2025-2026 aid form for UAB students is June 30, 2026. For scholarship considerations, in-state students must apply for admission by Jan. 15, 2025.  

To learn how to start your Blazer journey, click here.