The U.S. Department of Education has officially opened the 2026–2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) — launching earlier than ever. This means Stetson students and families can get a head start on securing federal, state, and institutional aid for the upcoming academic year.

What’s New This Year

The FAFSA continues to simplify the application process, with updates designed to make it easier and faster to apply.

Faster FSA ID verification – Students and parents with valid Social Security Numbers can now create and verify an FSA ID in real time.

Simplified parent invitation process – You can now invite a parent or other required contributor by email, making it easier to complete your form.

Reduced asset reporting – Family farms, small businesses, and certain small commercial operations will no longer count as reportable assets.

Updated Pell Grant rules – Eligibility will be determined with adjusted calculations, potentially expanding access for many students.

Important Deadlines

FAFSA available now (opened September 24, 2025)

FAFSA priority deadline for returning students: March 15, 2026

Remember: Many financial aid programs, including Florida state grants and Stetson University need-based aid are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Filing early gives you the best chance to maximize your eligibility.

How to Get Started

Log in at StudentAid.gov with your FSA ID.

Complete the 2026–27 FAFSA as soon as possible.

Use Stetson’s school code 001531 to ensure your application is sent to us.

Need Help?

Stetson’s Office of Student Aid is here to guide you through the process. If you have questions about completing your FAFSA, contact us at finaid@stetson.edu or call (386) 822-7100 Option 2.

Friendly reminder! Students will have a fall break on Thursday, October 9, and Friday, October 10. There will be no classes on these days.

Reminder:  Is Your Federal Loan in Offered Status? – Action is Needed

For those to whom it applies; please note that if your federal loan is currently in 'offered' status, it means that you have been offered the loan, but action is required on your part. Please review your student account and either accept, modify or decline the offer.

If you choose to accept/modify, additional steps such as completing Entrance Counseling and signing the Master Promissory Note (MPN) may be required before disbursement can occur.

Instructions for Managing Your Financial Aid Awards

Accepting Your Financial Aid Offer

1. Log into your MyStetson account.

2. Go to the Financial Aid Dashboard.

3. Verify that the correct aid year (2526) is selected.

4. Click on the "Offer" tab.

5. Scroll down to the "Options to Pay Net Cost" section.

6. Use the "Take Action" dropdown menu to accept, decline, or modify your offer, then submit your choice.

Outside Scholarships

Students are recommended to apply for outside scholarships through external sources including scholarships.com and FastWeb.

We also encourage students to find out about the availability of other scholarships from community organizations, professional organizations, religious organizations, corporations, parent employers and high school guidance counselors.

Federal regulations require the consideration of all resources when determining financial need for federal need-based assistance.

If you are awarded an outside scholarship, please submit proof to the Office of Student Accounts using this form to ensure it is added to your student account.

Private Loans

We recommend using ELMSelect to browse a list of private lenders.

Graduate PLUS and Parent PLUS Loans

PLUS loans are federal loans that graduate or professional degree students and parents of dependent undergraduate students can use to help pay education expenses. The U.S. Department of Education makes Direct PLUS Loans to eligible borrowers. The maximum loan amount is the student's cost of attendance (determined by the school) minus any other financial aid received.

Dependent undergraduate students that have exhausted their annual federal loan limit may seek additional aid by having their parent apply for the Federal Direct PLUS loan.

To allow someone access to your financial and other Stetson University records:

The Office of Financial Aid cannot speak with anyone about the student's financial aid unless they are granted permission by the student.

Q: I am an undergraduate senior in my last semester and I am enrolled in less than 12 credits. Can I still receive all of my financial aid?

A: If you are in your final semester and enrolled in remaining credits to complete your program of study and are less than full-time (12 credits), some of your aid may be prorated.  Submit the request form for review and proration of your aid.

Please be on the lookout for our monthly Financial Aid Newsletters for important information regarding financial aid updates and reminders. If you're looking for answers to FAQs, you might be able to find them by following us on social media!

Be entered into a drawing to win a $100 bookstore gift card!

More Questions? Ask Hattie!

Visit our financial aid website at stetson.edu/administration/financial-aid and click the green bubble labeled "Questions?" in the bottom right corner of your screen to chat with Hattie. Hattie can help with general questions about admissions and financial aid.