The 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is available for all students to complete and submit!
UW Madison will not have a FAFSA® priority deadline for 2025-26.
Complete it soon as you can so you receive your financial aid offer as soon as they’re available!
FSA ID
Beginning with the 2024-25 FAFSA®, all users/contributors must have an FSA ID and password to fill out the FAFSA®, even those without a Social Security Number (SSN).
Processing your FSA ID can take up to 5 business days, so we recommend creating it at least a week before you start your FAFSA®.
Related Resources
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What is an FSA ID?
An FSA ID is a username and password that you must use to log in to certain U.S. Department of Education (ED) websites. Your FSA ID identifies you as someone who has the right to access your own personal information on ED websites such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®).
Who needs an FSA ID?
Beginning with the 2024-25 FAFSA®, all contributors (student, student’s spouse, and/or parent) must have their own FSA ID.
How do you get an FSA ID?
To create your FSA ID, please go to https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch.
What if I don't remember my FSA ID or am not sure if I have one?
To retrieve a forgotten FSA ID or password, please go to https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/sign-in/landing and click either the “Forgot my Username” or “Forgot my Password” links.
When should I create my FSA ID?
Now!
In general, because it can take up to 5 business days, we recommend creating it at least a week before you start your FAFSA®.