The 2025-26 FAFSA Is Live: 5 Reasons to File

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The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2025-26 academic year is officially open! Filing your FAFSA is a critical step in planning how to finance your college education—and the earlier you file, the better. At UNH Manchester, we’re here to guide you through the process so you can focus on what matters most: your future.

Here are the top 5 reasons to file your FAFSA.

  1. Maximize your eligibility
    Some forms of financial aid are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Filing early ensures you’re considered for all available aid, including grants, scholarships, loans and work-study opportunities.

  2. Access need-based grants
    Grants, like the Federal Pell Grant, don’t need to be repaid, making them one of the most valuable forms of aid. Filing the FAFSA is the only way to determine if you qualify.

  3. Apply for scholarships
    Some scholarship programs require a completed FAFSA as part of the application process—even merit-based scholarships may consider your FAFSA.

  4. Plan your college budget
    Filing the FAFSA will provide you with your Student Aid Index (SAI) and some of the federal aid you may receive, which is essential for budgeting your college expenses. Your SAI is helpful to have for UNH's Net Price Calculator, which estimates how much financial aid you’d receive and how much you’d pay out of pocket, and helps you explore the different ways to cover that cost.

  5. It’s free and easy
    The FAFSA is free to file, and the process has been simplified to make it more user-friendly than ever. Just visit fafsa.gov to get started and use UNH’s school code 002589.

Need Help? We’ve Got You Covered.

If you’re feeling unsure about filing the FAFSA, don’t worry—you don’t have to do it alone. Schedule an appointment with UNH Manchester’s financial aid team to guide you through the process and answer any questions to help maximize your aid opportunities.

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