What's the FAFSA? It's where your aid eligibility starts.
FAFSA stands for "Free Application for Federal Student Aid." Federal aid is the largest provider of financial aid for college in the U.S.—awarding over $100 billion annually. But financial aid comes in many forms— federal, state, school and private sources. For most of the aid that's available, you must start with filling out a FAFSA.
Start your FAFSA
Get started at studentaid.gov, and be sure to use UW-Green Bay's school code (003899).
The Department of Education will release the 2024-2025 FAFSA by the end of December 2023. You must apply each year you're seeking aid.
To be considered for various types of financial aid, like grants, loans, work study and some scholarships, you need your FAFSA results.
Whether you're transferring credits from another institution, seeking a second degree, studying abroad or taking classes during the summer, your unique case may mean additional steps. Check out the information below that applies to you.
In order to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must:
Honesty on your FAFSA is like honesty on your income taxes—be truthful. Any intentionally false statements or misrepresentations you make (written or verbal) in any phase of the financial aid process may eliminate you from future consideration for assistance from UW-Green Bay, and may subject you to a fine, imprisonment, or both. We're not saying this to scare you, but to advise you of the risks. If you have questions, just contact us.
Students returning to UW-Green Bay who already have a Bachelor's Degree from this institution are generally not eligible for financial aid. Exceptions can include those admitted into a Graduate program or students who are admitted into and pursuing another degree program (not major) at the University. Students pursuing teacher certification may also be eligible. Lifetime limits of individual aid programs and overall length of study should be areas of concern for students considering returning. Students should review UW-Green Bay's Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy and contact us for more information.
Students who have obtained an Associate's Degree, Bachelor's or Master's Degree from another institution may also be limited in their aid eligibility due to lifetime limits on aid eligibility and length of time required to complete the new degree. You will want to familiarize yourself with the UW-Green Bay's Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy and contact the Financial Aid Office for more information regarding your specific eligibility.
If you are transferring to UW-Green Bay, there are several steps you must take in order to receive financial aid. A common misconception is that your aid will transfer with you, and that is not the case. Follow these simple guidelines and UW-Green Bay's Financial Aid Office will award you based upon our institutional guidelines and the availability of funds.
Be sure to send the University (Admissions Office) official transcripts of all completed coursework at your prior institution(s). For more, see the Transfer Student Admissions.
Study Abroad programs are typically a semester or academic year in length and require students to be enrolled full time in the program. Financial aid is available for students participating in approved study abroad programs. However, you should be aware that your aid eligibility does not necessarily increase as your costs increase. You will want to meet with a Financial Aid Adviser before signing up for any study abroad program, so that you are informed of your funding options before signing any contracts. If the program you are interested in is through a different university, you will need to have the visiting school complete a Consortium Agreement, which will confirm your enrollment and costs associated with the semester/academic year.
Financial aid for your study abroad semester will be available to you the first week of UW-Green Bay's classes, not when you begin your study abroad travel. If your program begins before then, you will want to plan accordingly and make arrangements for payment with the visiting school.
Travel courses are for a shorter length of time and for fewer credits than semester-length abroad experiences. Your financial aid eligibility for a travel course will depend upon:
It will be important for you to stop in to see a Financial Aid Adviser if you are considering a travel course, as we can provide you with options for funding before you apply or sign a commitment.
Complete the Summer Aid Application (available in March each year) if:
Undergraduate students interested in Summer Pell Grant only do NOT have to complete this application. We will identify you and offer Pell Grant based upon your enrollment.
Your aid eligibility for the summer term will depend on the timing of your courses as well as other factors, so you’ll need to register first in order for us to determine your eligibility.
Complete Application
As a general rule, the Financial Aid Office awards financial aid to students on a weekly basis beginning in early February and continuously throughout the academic year. Since some aid programs have limited funding, and to ensure full consideration of all the various aid programs, UW-Green Bay has a preferred filing date of January 15. The preferred filing date is not a deadline. The Financial Aid Office recommends that you complete your FAFSA application and submit all requested documentation by this date. A completed aid application does not, however, guarantee that all aid programs will be offered to you.
Unsure where to start? UW-Green Bay offers one-on-one consultations with a financial aid advisor to explain how financial aid works and detailing your next steps.