2026-27 FAFSA Application

The 2026-27 FAFSA is now open! Here's what you need to know to navigate the process.

Important Dates for the 2026-27 academic year

Now – Create your FSA ID and Apply to Northwest
Now – Submit the FAFSA with school code 002496
February 1, 2026 – Northwest FAFSA priority filing deadline

FAQs

When can I expect to hear back after filling out my FAFSA?

For Fall 2026 Incoming Freshmen
- If additional documents are needed from you, expect to hear from us with that request in November. If no additional items are needed from you, expect to receive your aid offer mid-December.
For Transfer or Continuing Students
- If additional documents are needed from you, expect to hear from us with that request in February. If no additional items are needed from you, expect to receive your aid offer in late May or early June.

What is the FAFSA?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form colleges and universities use to determine your eligibility for financial assistance. By completing the FAFSA, you are applying for federal and state grants, student loans and work-study opportunities that can help make college more affordable.

The information you provide on the FAFSA helps Northwest understand your financial situation and calculate the types and amount of aid you may qualify to receive. This can include need-based grants that do not have to be repaid, federal student loans and campus employment programs.

The FAFSA is free to complete and is submitted online at studentaid.gov. Completing it each year is the first and most important step in receiving financial aid at Northwest.

Even if you’re unsure whether you’ll qualify for need-based aid, we encourage every student to complete the FAFSA. Many students are surprised by what they’re eligible to receive.

Why should I complete the FAFSA?

Completing the FAFSA is the first step toward receiving financial assistance for college. Even if you think you may not qualify for need-based aid, submitting the FAFSA ensures you are considered for the widest range of funding opportunities.

By completing the FAFSA, you may become eligible for:

• Federal and state grants that do not need to be repaid
• Federal student loans with fixed interest rates and flexible repayment options
• Federal work-study opportunities that allow you to earn money while enrolled
• Certain institutional scholarships and need-based aid programs

Many financial aid programs require a completed FAFSA, even if they are not strictly federal programs. Filing the FAFSA also ensures your aid offer is prepared in time for tuition billing and payment deadlines.

We strongly encourage all students to complete the FAFSA each year. You may be surprised by what you qualify to receive, and submitting early helps maximize your financial aid options. Don’t leave potential financial aid on the table — complete your FAFSA and make sure you’re considered for every available opportunity.

How much aid will be available to me?

Use our Net Price Calculator to estimate your costs and aid eligibility. Estimated time to complete: 10-15 minutes

How long will it take to fill out the FAFSA?

Fifteen minutes to an hour. Most complete by the 15-minute mark.

Your next steps

The next step towards financing your education is completing the FAFSA. Our team is here to support you throughout the process, unlocking the potential for federal aid.

Learn about using the FAFSA to apply for financial aid

Watch this 2-minute video to learn how the FAFSA works:

What you can do now to prepare for the FAFSA

Your FSA ID is a username and password that gives you access to your student aid account
Go to studentaid.gov and follow the instructions to create your account
If you’ve filled out the FAFSA before, you already have an FSA ID. Check your account and reset your password if you don’t remember it.
Watch this 6-minute video and learn about the FSA ID:

Determine who your “Contributors” are on the FAFSA.

Determine who your FAFSA contributors are.
A contributor is anyone who’s asked to provide information on the FAFSA. A contributor could be you, a parent (biological, adoptive, or stepparent), or your spouse. Being a contributor doesn’t mean they have an obligation to pay for your education.
Each contributor will provide consent for their information to be included on the FAFSA.
Watch this 90-second video or use the FAFSA Parent Wizard to learn more about contributors:

Collect information you’ll need to complete the FAFSA:

Having this info ready to go ahead of time will help you avoid delays.
For each of your contributors you will need:
- Name
- Social Security Number (SSN) or alien registration number
- Date of birth
- Email address
- Tax returns
- Records of child support received
- Current balances of savings and checking accounts
- Net worth of investments, businesses, or farms
Each contributor must provide consent on the FAFSA to allow their tax info to be automatically shared from the IRS. If a contributor refuses to provide consent, you will be ineligible for need-based financial aid programs.

Fill out the FAFSA

Student and contributors can use their FSA ID to access and complete the FAFSA.

COMPLETE YOUR FAFSA

Take the next steps to being a Bearcat!

The FAFSA is open. If you haven't already, now is a great time to apply for admission at Northwest.

Apply Now

Contact

Office of Scholarships and Financial Assistance
Student Services Temporary Office Building (STO) - Lot 27
660.562.1363 (phone) | 660.562.1674 (fax)
finaid@nwmissouri.edu

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Hours

Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.