What is the FAFSA?

Publish Date

2026-01-16

FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It’s a form students fill out each year to see if they qualify for money to help pay for college. This aid can come in the form of scholarships, grants, loans or work-study jobs.

At UIS, aid from the FAFSA is how many students get support to afford college. According to our Office of Financial Aid, about 80% of UIS undergraduates receive aid through scholarships, grants, loans or student jobs.

That means filling out FAFSA could help you financially, even if you think your family earns “too much.”

How to Fill out the FAFSA for UIS?

Filling out the FAFSA may seem confusing at first, but it is easier than you think. Here are five simple steps to help you complete the FAFSA as a Prairie Star.

Go to FAFSA.gov and start the application.
When asked for a college code, use the UIS code: 009333
Provide financial and income information (about you and your parents if you are a dependent student).
Sign the form electronically. For many students, an FSA ID handles this safely online.
Submit early! The Office of Financial Assistance encourages UIS students to apply by the priority filing deadline of March 15 each year to avoid missing any opportunities.

Illinois Alternative Application (RISE Application)

Students in Illinois who are not eligible to apply through the FAFSA may be eligible to complete the Illinois Alternative Application (RISE Application). The alternative application is currently available for the 2026-27 school year. The UIS Office of Financial Aid recommends submitting it by March 15, 2026.

What Kinds of Aid Could You Receive?

Once you submit the FAFSA, you might wonder what types of financial aid you could get. UIS offers many kinds of aid that can support you as you work toward your degree.

Prairie Promise: This program is for new first-year students and transfer students who qualify. It can cover all full-time tuition and mandatory fees after applying your state grant and UIS awards.
Scholarships: These are awards based on things like grades, activities, talents or other special criteria. You do not need to pay back scholarships.
Grants and Waivers: These are usually based on financial need, which you demonstrate through your FAFSA. You do not need to repay grants and waivers.
Loans: These are funds you borrow to help pay for school. You must repay loans after graduation or once you stop attending college. UIS offers federal direct loans and private loans.
Student Employment and Federal Work Study: UIS offers part-time on-campus jobs to help students earn money to cover expenses while in school.
Military and Veterans Benefits: Eligible students who qualify through military or veteran benefits can receive additional help. Our Military and Veteran Student Services and Financial Aid can guide you through these options.

A Few Things to Know So Nothing Surprises You

Before you finish your FAFSA journey, there are a few essential details to keep in mind. These tips will help you prepare and avoid any unexpected issues.

You must gain admission to UIS (or plan to enroll) and qualify for financial aid. Simply applying for FAFSA doesn’t guarantee aid.
Aid amounts depend on how many credit hours you take. If you take fewer classes, your aid amount may be smaller.
Each year, you need to renew your FAFSA to keep receiving financial aid.
If you’d like help or have questions, the UIS Office of Financial Aid is ready to assist by phone, email or appointment.

Take the First Step Toward Your Future

Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone. We’re here to support you every step of the way. Completing the FAFSA is one of the best ways to start strong. Please take a few minutes to fill it out, add the UIS school code and open the door to more opportunities.

Start your FAFSA today and reach out to the UIS Office of Financial Aid if you need assistance in the process. Your future as a Prairie Star begins with this first step!

FAQs

You (and your parents, if you’re considered a dependent)
Income and taxes (usually pulled automatically from the IRS)
Household size
Schools you want the FAFSA sent to

You’re usually considered a dependent student unless you:

Are 24+
Are married
Are a veteran
Have dependents of your own
Are legally emancipated / homeless

Outside/local scholarships, some merit or special school scholarships (i.e. department specific scholarships) and private bank student loans.

FAFSA = key that unlocks:

Federal aid
State aid
School need-based aid

School application =

Admission
Automatic consideration for many scholarships

Separate applications =

Outside scholarships
Special competitive programs

Feature	Work-Study	Regular Job
Funding source	Federal (sometimes state or school)	Employer payroll
Availability	On-campus or approved off-campus positions	Anywhere
Flexibility	Often tailored around your class schedule	Depends on employer
Taxes	Paid like regular wages, usually FICA and federal	Same, but can affect aid differently if income is reported
Counted in aid package	Yes — reduces the gap you need to pay	Not part of financial aid

Key difference: Work-study is already included in your financial aid plan, whereas a regular job is just extra money.

Free money:

Grant
Scholarship
Pell
Aid that does not need to be repaid

Loans (repay later):

Direct Subsidized Loan
Direct Unsubsidized Loan
PLUS Loan

You do not have to accept loans, even if they’re offered.

A financial aid offer is like an invitation. The financial aid is already applied to your bill, but you can pick and choose what you want to decline if you so chose. You may want to decline or adjust offers if you: plan to work more and borrow less or use savings instead of loans.

Some schools:

Offer more in grants and merit based scholarships
Offer the same amount of aid, but costs vary
may prioritize:
- In-state students
- Certain majors
- First-generation students
- Honors students
- Diversity goals

Real-life example

Same student, same FAFSA:

School	Total Cost	Grants	Loans	Your Cost
A	$24k	$7k	$5.5k	$11.5k
B	$30k	$12k	$5.5k	$12.5k
C	$26k	$4k	$5.5k	$16.5k

Federal student loans:

No payments while you’re in school at least half-time
6-month grace period after you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time
Payments start ~6 months after graduation