Help and Knowledge Base

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What is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) helps determine your eligibility for federal, state, and school-based financial aid, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study. Filing your FAFSA could unlock funds that don鈥檛 need to be repaid!

When to Complete:

  • Complete the FAFSA at 聽for both the current and upcoming aid years.
  • File as early as possible to maximize financial aid opportunities.
  • Submit a new FAFSA each year to cover all eligible semesters.

Tip: The 2065鈥�2027 FAFSA covers Summer 2026, Fall 2026, and Spring 2027; the 2027鈥�2028 FAFSA covers May 2027, Fall 2027, and Spring 2028.

How Do I File?

  1. Visit
  2. Use UMGC鈥檚 school code 011644.
  3. Fill out your information and submit.

To learn more, read this guide to or reach out to the Office of Financial Solutions.听

After You Submit:

  • Review your FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS).
  • Make corrections if needed; you鈥檒l receive email notifications.
  • Accept aid offers and complete any required counseling or loan agreements.
  • Disbursements occur on Tuesdays and Thursdays; refunds may take up to 14 days.

Learn more at or on the聽 website.

Ways to Contact Support for More Assistance

By Chat

Live chat support is available
Monday鈥揊riday, 8 a.m.鈥�10 p.m. ET.

The UMGC Help Bot is available for FAQs 24/7.

By Phone

颁补濒濒听855-655-8682聽for student services (Monday鈥揊riday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. ET).

颁补濒濒听888-360-8682聽for technical support (24/7).

By Email

Email the support team or submit documents using the聽UMGC Help Center.