FAFSA Simplification/News
The 2026-2027 FAFSA is now open for completion!
Before starting the FAFSA, please be sure all contributors have successfully set up their FSA ID. A short video on how to create an account and username can be found on the Federal Student Aid YouTube channel at the link below.
Hear from the chancellor of the University System of Maryland on why you should fill out the FAFSA.
Click on the buttons below to navigate to specific content areas
FAFSA Simplified
The Department of Education has streamlined the federal aid application process. Once your FSA account is created, completing your FAFSA can take as little as 15 minutes.
Updates & Tips
- Please check out our Admitted Student Checklist or schedule a campus visit.
- FAFSA data is imported into the FSU system daily.
- Students should complete their portion of the FAFSA prior to other contributors if possible and then invite the parent(s)/contributor(s). The student should make sure they sign their portion prior to doing the invite.
- Contributor parents who filed separate tax returns will both need an FSA account of their own for FAFSA submission.
- The Maryland Higher Education Commission FAFSA priority deadline is March 1.
- When completing the FAFSA, it can be beneficial to be prepared with possible verification requested items. (Helpful documents can include - signed/dated 1040, IRS tax return transcript, W-2s, 1098-T, recent marriage certificates, recent divorce/separation agreements, VA - DD214, previous university transcripts, citizenship documentation, eligible non-citizen documentation, etc.)
- Your data will be saved for 45 days after FAFSA processing begins. If you get stuck or locked out, be patient, continue to check back on your application, and watch your email closely. If you have issues with the form and fail to get answers from FAFSA, please email fsufinaid@frostburg.edu your question. We will do our best to investigate and find any available solution.
- Some known FAFSA issues can be found on the FSA partner site. Some of which have known workarounds, and some do not. This page should only be used as a last resort reference if you or a contributor are trying to investigate an issue and cannot get through to the FAFSA help center. Please do not allow the reference material to increase your confusion or stress.
FAFSA Form
Which FAFSA form should you complete?
- Applying for Summer 2026, Fall 2026, or Spring 2027? Select the 26/27 version.
What is FSU's school code for the FAFSA?
- 002072
Use this link to start your FAFSA.
Once your form is submitted, you should receive an email from the FSA giving you feedback on your FAFSA results.
Watch your FSU email and FSU PAWS account for updates. FAFSA verification requirements will be available to view on the PAWS portal in the student center "to-do list."
Scholarship
Additional Scholarship Information
The 26/27 FSU Foundation Scholarship application is scheduled to open for admitted students with FSU credentials on December 17, 2025. All students are encouraged to complete the application prior to the March 1 priority deadline. The application will be closed for review during the month of March then be open from April 1 to June 1. It will close in June for a second round of reviews and then open for the final time from July 1 to August 1. Use your FSU credentials to log in, search scholarships, and begin the application. Complete the application on the FSU Scholarship web site.
FAFSA Success
Many students are seeing the early benefits of the FAFSA overhaul. If you are still working through issues, remain patient and forge ahead. Below are some FSU student quotes to show there is light at the end of the tunnel. We know we will be seeing and hearing many more sentiments like this in the months ahead. Go Bobcats!
- “It was smooth. I was able to get mine done in a few minutes.” -Senior
- “I still had some questions but was able to get those answered and didn’t have any problems. It was definitely shorter.” – Junior
- “Minus the initial issues with the FAFSA site when it first opened, it was simple. It was much better. It used to be confusing, but now it is straight forward and simple.” -Junior
- “For me it was mad fast. Because I am an independent student, there wasn’t as much information to fill out. I got it done quickly.” – Graduate Student