- FAFSA® determines your eligibility for Federal Pell Grants and Federal Loans.
- FAFSA® is required for evaluating BYU-Idaho Need-Based Scholarships.
- FAFSA® is used by businesses and the state to evaluate scholarships like the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship.
FAFSA® Application
The FAFSA® is based on the academic year, not the semester you start. The academic year begins in Fall and continues through Winter and Spring semesters.
| Enrolled Semester | FAFSA® Year |
|---|---|
| Winter 2026 | 2025-2026 |
| Spring 2026 | 2025-2026 |
| Fall 2026 | 2026-2027 |
| Winter 2027 | 2026-2027 |
| Spring 2027 | 2026-2027 |
Timeline
Filling out the FAFSA® Form
Create an FSA ID at studentaid.gov
- You may be asked to verify your identity while completing your FAFSA®. Be sure to have an unexpired state issued ID, Drivers License or Passport available upon request.
- Your parent or spouse may also need an FSA ID to complete their portion of the FAFSA® and give permission for their tax information to be used.
- Complete the correct FAFSA® form at studentaid.gov
You will need to include:
- Permission for your tax information to be used on the form
- Number of individuals in the household
- Number attending college
- Value of savings accounts and assets
- Parent or spouse signatures may be required
- Enter BYU-Idaho's school code: 001625.
- Submit your FAFSA® before the priority deadline to be ready for the semester.
You can still receive federal aid if you submit after the priority deadline, but it just might not be here before late fees apply.
One week after submitting your FAFSA, check your financial aid portal to verify your FAFSA has been received.
Verification Process
FAFSA® Verification is a process by which selected students must provide additional documentation to show that the information submitted on the FAFSA® is accurate. Federal aid cannot be disbursed until verification is complete.
Any additional information requested should be submitted through the financial aid portal as soon as possible to avoid delays in receiving federal financial aid. You can expect federal aid award information to be available in your financial aid portal within four weeks of submitting the last correct required document.
Federal aid cannot be disbursed until verification is complete. If you do not submit the required documents, you will not be eligible for aid for the award year. If you are selected for verification after receiving funds and do not submit required documentation, repayment of funds already received is required.
Receiving My Money
Once you have completed the FAFSA® form and verification, if needed, you are close to receiving your financial aid. Learn if there are other steps you need to take to see your money disbursed into your accounts.
Basic Eligibility Criteria
- Be a US citizen or an eligible non-citizen
- Have a valid Social Security Number
- Provide consent and approval to have your tax information transferred directly into your FAFSA form
- Be enrolled as a degree-seeking student in an eligible degree program
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress
- Not in default on a federal student loan
- Use money only for educational purposes
- Have a high school diploma, GED, or completed a high school education in a homeschool setting approved under state law
- Demonstrate financial need for need-based federal student aid programs
FAFSA® Loans vs Pell Grants
What You Should Know
- Pell grants are offered to students who qualify for financial help.
- The government will pay the interest for subsidized loans while you are in school and enrolled in at least 6 program-applicable credits.
- Interest begins accruing on unsubsidized loans as soon as you receive the loan.
Need More Help with FAFSA®?
Visit the Troubleshooting page or reach out to our office for answers to more in-depth questions, or meet with the Financial Aid office and get one-on-one help with your questions.
Financial Aid Office: (208) 496-1411
FAFSA® Hotline: (800) 433-3243
Have unusual circumstances? Visit our Petitions page to see if you qualify for more help.
