FAFSA Information
The most important step in receiving financial aid is to complete your FAFSA– ON TIME- every year. You must reapply for every year you plan to be a student. It is important to complete as early as possible to allow ample time to complete any additional steps, such as being randomly chosen for verification which can require additional paperwork.
You complete your application online at the FAFSA website. UMaine’s priority deadline for this to be completed is March 1 annually.
Student Financial Aid at UMaine offers a lot of fantastic information on FAFSA. Their page “FAFSA 101” includes general overviews, being an independent vs. dependent student, and special circumstances.
The Finance Authority of Maine (FAME) has some outstanding resources. Check out this worksheet “Get Ready To File The 2017-2018 FAFSA”
If you gather your information in advanced, most people can complete their FAFSA in 30 minutes or less.
FAME has published a 10 minute tutorial “How to Fill Out the 2017-2018 FAFSA” that is very helpful.
TRIO Student Support Services also hosts an annual FAFSA Lab for students to complete their FAFSA with staff from the Financial Aid office. Please ask your advisor for the date of this year’s lab if you would like to attend!