The FAFSA is used by the Financial Aid Office to determine how much financial aid you're eligible to receive, which could include grants, scholarships, work-study funds and loans. You must complete a FAFSA each year and meet eligibility requirements to be considered for financial aid.
The FAFSA is available now. We encourage students to submit their complete FAFSA application without delay for priority grant aid consideration and to receive your financial aid offer early in our awarding cycle. The UMass Boston school code is 002222.
FAFSA Priority Application Dates
- Returning Students: Priority financial aid is available to students who file a FAFSA by May 1 and complete all eligibility requirements by June 1.
- New Students: Priority financial aid is available to students who file a FAFSA by March 15 and complete all eligibility requirements by May 1.
NOTE: State and scholarship agencies have varying FAFSA application deadlines that you are encouraged to meet.
Three Easy Steps:
- Create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID on studentaid.gov.
- Apply for aid by completing your FAFSA. UMass Boston's school code is 002222.
• Watch this video for guidance on how to complete the FAFSA. - After you complete your FAFSA, review your FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS) for accuracy, for notice of follow up needed and to ensure that UMass Boston is listed to receive your information electronically.
FAFSA Help
- The One Stop is available to assist you with your FAFSA questions.
- Eligibility Requirements on studentaid.gov
- FAFSA Tips and FAQs
- Next Steps after completing the FAFSA
How the FAFSA Works
The FAFSA generates each student's Student Aid Index (SAI). The SAI is used to determine the amount of financial aid you are eligible for from the federal government, state agencies, and UMass Boston.
The Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA)
The MASFA form allows students who are not able to complete the FAFSA, due to their immigration status, but do meet the Tuition Equity Law requirements below, a way to apply for needs-based state financial aid.
- Attended High School in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for at least 3 years.
- Obtained a High School diploma, or its equivalent, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
- Meet other requirements as outlined here.
Visit mass.edu/tuitionequity/home for more information. The 2025-26 MASFA will be available soon for students entering for the Fall 2025 semester.