Federal assistance is available to U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens who enroll in an eligible degree or certificate program at an eligible college. Federal financial aid eligibility definitions can be found on StudentAid.gov.
To maximize your financial aid, complete the FAFSA as early as possible each year you're enrolled. The earlier you file, the more aid you may qualify for. The FAFSA usually opens on October 1st, but is sometimes available earlier.
Many resources are available to help you complete your FAFSA. StudentAid.gov is a great source of information with how-to videos and step-by-step instructions.
The FAFSA HELP section of StudentAid.gov not only helps you to prepare to submit the FAFSA, but also answers the most common questions students and families have as they complete the form, and once they submit the form.
Wisconsin has several resources to help prospective student residents with the financial aid process.
UW FAFSA Preferred Filing Dates
Please review the preferred FAFSA filing dates below. We recommend filing your FAFSA as soon as possible to maximize your financial aid eligibility.
UW University
Preferred Filing Date
UW-Eau Claire
March 15, 2026
UW-Green Bay
January 15, 2026
UW-La Crosse
February 1, 2026
UW-Madison
December 1, 2026
UW-Milwaukee
March 1, 2026
UW-Oshkosh
January 1, 2026
UW-Parkside
March 1, 2026
UW-Platteville
February 1, 2026
UW-River Falls
March 15, 2026
UW-Stevens Point
March 1, 2026
UW-Stout
February 1, 2026
UW-Superior
February 1, 2026
UW-Whitewater
January 1, 2026
Still Have Questions?
Please contact the financial aid office at a UW university.