Financial Aid Services

FAFSA Processing Delays

We recognize that the delayed processing of 2024-2025 FAFSA information by the U.S. Department of Education may impact the University’s ability to complete your financial aid review. This includes processing of special circumstance appeals and Federal verification. Financial Aid Services has identified students impacted by these delays and have asked the Bursar’s Office to extend the fall payment due date and suspend any late fee for the semester.

Filing your FAFSA

Complete your FAFSA application today at studentaid.gov. The FAFSA is the only application required at UMass Amherst to be awarded need-based aid. The UMass Amherst school code is 002221. 

You are encouraged to file by the March 1 UMass Amherst FAFSA priority date to receive your financial aid offer early in the cycle. If you are having challenges submitting your FAFSA, please be aware that submitting after March 1 will not affect your funding. State and scholarship agencies have varying deadlines that you are encouraged to meet.

See more about the new FAFSA and how to prepare to complete the application on our FAFSA Changes page.

Financial Aid Notifications

After you complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), review your FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS) for accuracy and to ensure UMass Amherst is listed to receive the information electronically. You may need to respond to requests for documentation before you can be awarded. You will receive an email when your award is available to view in SPIRE.

The Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA)

The Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA) is now available! This form allows students who are not able to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) due to their immigrations status a way to apply for need-based Massachusetts and UMass Amherst-specific financial aid. 

If you think you are eligible to complete the MASFA, follow these steps:

• Complete the MASFA application 
• If required, complete verification of MASFA data with state Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) 
• Fill out the Tuition Equity Affidavit and submit to the UMass Amherst Bursar’s Office

Go to mass.edu/tuitionequity to access the links for the steps described above, and for additional information.

Connect with Us

Got questions? Need to chat with a financial aid advisor? Here’s when, where and how to reach us.