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Submit Your FAFSA

Apply for aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

The 2023-2024 FAFSA application will be available starting October 1, 2022. Students are encouraged to submit their FAFSA application on or before the March 2, 2023 deadline using 2021 income information. To apply visit: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. 

Application Tips

  • Apply early! Applications become available early October for the upcoming academic year
  • Re-apply every year
  • Submit your application by March 2 for priority consideration
  • Include the UC Santa Cruz Code: 001321
  • Select the correct aid year on your financial aid application when applying (i.e., 2023-2024 for Fall 2023)
  • Submit any requested financial aid documents to our office by June 2 for entering and continuing students, and July 1 for transfer students. Check your UCSC “To-Do List” on your student portal to make sure you submit any requests or clear any FAFSA rejects
  • We recommend using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to update your FAFSA with your actual tax numbers. You may need to verify your tax information with an IRS Tax Transcript if you are eligible, but do not use the data retrieval tool

Questions About Applying?

For help with your FAFSA, call 1-800-4FEDAID (1-800-433-3243); Mon–Fri: 8:00 a.m.–12:00 midnight Eastern Time or Sat: 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Or, you may contact our Financial Aid & Scholarship Office.

Additional Resources

IRS Data Retrieval (video tutorial)

FAFSA Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid

FAFSA Tips for Applicants in Unique Situations

See Also